The Societal Value of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Education
摘要
This chapter advances the premise that inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) education creates societal value by preparing graduates to understand and engage with complex, value-laden challenges. Drawing on scientific literature, we identify four core rationales for ITD education: understanding complex societal challenges, driving innovation, preparing future-ready professionals, and responding to students’ demand for relevance and responsibility. A University of Amsterdam case study illustrates how these rationales take shape in practice. Realising ITD education requires more than curricular reform. It calls for learning environments that deliberately foster collaboration and societal engagement, and for lecturers who act not only as transmitters of knowledge but as facilitators of learning. Taking ITD education seriously is therefore essential if universities are to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.