Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek continues more than three centuries long tradition of higher education in eastern Slavonia, which started in 1707 by establishing the first higher education institution in Osijek – Studium Philosophicum Essekini. In 1735, it grew into Studium generale theologicum primae classis.
Modern University in Osijek was founded in 1975, and since 1990 it carries the name of Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, founder of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
By following its mission, the University of Osijek operates as an educational institution which combines research, artistic creation, study and teaching for the purpose of developing science, profession and art. It prepares students for professional career based on scientific knowledge and methods, as well as artistic values. It educates scientific and artistic youth, contributes to fulfillment of social interests of students and promotes international and European cooperation in higher education, science and arts.
University’s vision is to develop creative and innovative strategies that will be applied in strategic planning process, to support successful competition in the environment and to manage strategic issues critical for achievement of our vision. Organizational values promoted by the University of Osijek are credibility, professionalism, responsibility, adaptability, cooperation and openness. Within the Strategy 2021-2030, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek presents the most important strategic objectives, tasks and action plans which will be applied and implemented in the next ten-year period.
Fundamental goal of the University is the education of students based on the latest scientific research knowledge and critical thinking. The processes include lifelong learning aligned with community needs. Special attention is given to development of new attractive study programs based on defined qualification standards, with special emphasis put on joint and dual-degree studies. Promoting excellence in teaching relies on strengthening of teachers’ competencies and teaching in digital environment combined with entrepreneurship and socially useful learning in the teaching process.
It is necessary to continuously raise the level of student standard, encourage international experience of students, retain and employ high-quality graduates, promote lifelong learning and establish a system for recognition of formal, non-formal and informal education.
Within its research activities, the University aims to position itself as a strong research-oriented University in Eastern and Central Europe which generates new knowledge and solutions. It is necessary to encourage creation of stimulating, multidisciplinary scientific environment in order to achieve scientific excellence and fully utilize scientific potential of the University. An important prerequisite for the future development of the University and for strengthening of its research capacity is reflected in the strengthening and development of innovations at the University. In addition to research activities, the University also follows its third mission of strengthening technology transfer, thus contributing to the development of society. Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek is also positioned as an artistic-scientific-teaching centre of the Republic of Croatia which systematically develops the creative industry and connects science, economy and artistic practice.
Processes of internationalization and international activities aim to position the University in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and European Research Area (ERA). Therefore, a framework for internationalization of study programs will be developed at all levels of education in order to assure better visibility of the University and increase the total number of foreign students. By strengthening its role and participation in international research activities and networks, the University shall create preconditions for improvement of international visibility, scientific and artistic excellence and mobility.
Strong University influences the life in the environment it operates. The University will continue its activities on improvement of existing and creation of new partnerships on the regional,
national and international level. The University shall take over a key role in supporting a cooperation among Slavonian counties and in sharing the responsibility and obligations through establishment of joint bodies which will create, plan, organize and strengthen economic, social and cultural activities. This is supported by the human and material resources that the University disposes of and the fact that the University is able to attract talented students and experts from other parts of the country as well as from abroad. Cooperation with alumni will be of use in improvement of study programs, professional practice and in development of cooperation with organizations which employ former University students.
Human capital is essential in achievement of determined strategic objectives. The University shall implement strategies that will help retain the high-quality academic and professional staff and strengthen the competencies of all University employees. The University shall encourage and reward excellence and professionalism in management, research and teaching. An adequate number and structure of teachers and other employees will be ensured at all University units, in accordance with their characteristics, development goals and study programs. The current financial model does not allow long-term planning and development of the University. Therefore, it is necessary to find other sources of financing in order to facilitate quick and effective response to challenges.
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek suffered severe damages during the Homeland War. Special attention is given to completion of initiated construction works and to initiation of new ones on the University Campus. Planning and building of new facilities on the Campus follows the highest standards of accessibility and environmental protection while respecting educational, scientific and professional needs. The University is aware of the fact that it affects the development and recognition of the city of Osijek, as its openness of infrastructure contributes to the improvement of living conditions of the Osijek residents. Without fences and obstacles, Campus facilities, its bicycle paths, sports fields, parking spaces and the science park are open and accessible, thus integrating the University into the everyday life of the city of Osijek.
Objectives and tasks of the University Strategy for the period 2021 – 2030 are aligned with the goals of the EU cohesion policy 2021-2027. Among other things, the cohesion policy goals stress out the promotion of innovative and smart economic transformation and encouragement of sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas. Furthermore, development of Green Europe is emphasized, which refers to promotion of green and blue investments, development of a circular economy and adaptation to climate change. Determined objectives of the University Strategy 2021-2030 support the development of projects and programs that will contribute to achievement of these objectives at the regional level and that will represent a significant incentive for regional development as well.
When creating the Strategy, there are seven thematic areas defined as of the horizontal policies and development directions of the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030. The objectives and tasks proposed by the University Strategy are defined flexibly to enable implementation of various programs within the defined thematic objectives, the achievement of which will respect the development of scientific excellence and creativity, the commercialization of research results, the application of new technologies and the strengthening of bonds between the economy and the scientific community.
As having acknowledged and evaluated all previous processes, Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek Strategy 2021 – 2030 prioritizes the following strategic areas:
- Teaching and training
- Research, innovation and technology transfer
- Internationalization
- University and environment
- Human and material resources
- Reconstruction and development of the University
- Quality assurance system
Document of the Strategy in Croatian:
