Internationalization in Europe in 2024: Data-Driven Insights from the Frontlines

Over the last two decades, there has been clear evidence of momentum in Europe with respect to internationalization in higher education. However, there are also indications of stress on the sector, and the ongoing role of internationalization as a preferred (or effective) instrument to support the achievement of institutional and system-wide objectives is not necessarily assured. How is the sector to understand the future of internationalization in the European Higher Education Area? Two recent data collection exercises (the EAIE Barometer: internationalisation in Europe, third edition report and the 6th IAU Global Survey on internationalization) provide useful indications of key developments and point to a number of compelling observations. Several key insights stand out. These relate to matters of adapting to role changes; managing multiple layers of responsibility for internationalization across organizations, complex challenges, and a wide portfolio of priority areas for future attention; strengthening confidence in (and alignment with) leadership for internationalization; and the question of delivering impact from internationalization.