The English-language special issue of Beiträge zur Hochschulforschung examines the future prospects of higher education institutions in the context of sustainability, inclusion and global transformation processes. Produced in collaboration with guest editors Prof Eva Cendon (FernUniversität in Hagen), Prof Mpine Makoe (University of South Africa – UNISA) and Irina Haury (FernUniversität in Hagen), the issue is based on the UN's 2030 Agenda with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UNESCO initiative ‘Futures of Education’.

An introductory overview article opens up a global perspective on higher education development, highlights inclusion and sustainability, and discusses alternative, non-Eurocentric approaches. Other research articles deal with Open Science as a tool for the more rapid dissemination of knowledge in SDG-oriented research, sustainability engagement and sustainability-related activities at three German higher education institutions, the central role of the study entrance phase in distance higher education, and the connection between discrimination, social integration and mental health in creating equal and inclusive learning spaces.

Practical contributions from South Africa and Mauritius broaden the view on decolonial approaches and national strategies for the future. The issue is complemented by a viewpoint on sustainable human resource management, two book reviews on the future(s) of universities, and insights into the strategic future-oriented leadership of distance learning universities by Prof Puleng LenkaBula (Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa) and Prof Ada Pellert, who was rector of the FernUniversität in Hagen until November 2024.