Higher education is at a pivotal moment marked by political pressure, funding instability and shifting demographics. Institutions are being called to do more than react. They must reimagine their role as engines of social mobility, economic development and global collaboration in an age of disruption. In this interview, Vis Naidoo discusses the economic pressures reshaping higher ed and the transformative role automation plays.
The EvoLLLution (Evo): How would you describe the current state of the higher ed landscape and the major forces shaping institutional priorities?
Vis Naidoo (VN): The higher ed landscape is shifting rapidly due to political, economic and societal pressures. In the U.S., we’re witnessing growing attacks on academic freedom, funding threats tied to ideological agendas and scrutiny over what’s taught and who’s hired. These dynamics affect not just public institutions but also donor behavior and corporate giving, creating financial ripples across the system. This ideological tug-of-war isn’t isolated to higher ed. It’s part of a broader trend playing out from K–12 to postsecondary education. And it’s forcing institutions to be more reactive, often at the cost of long-term planning.
In Canada, similar stressors are unfolding. Trade tensions, political shifts and especially evolving policies around international students are causing real disruptions. Programs are cut, staff are let go and the financial strain is mounting. With elections around the corner, there’s uncertainty about whether those constraints will tighten or ease. At the same time, Canada faces a demographic challenge: an aging population. This reality makes it critical for higher ed to not only educate—and address the reskilling and upskilling needs of the workforce—but also economically integrate new arrivals, including international students. Here, continuing education becomes a linchpin, supporting adult learners and ensuring institutions remain relevant and financially viable.
What emerges from this context is an opportunity—perhaps even a necessity—for more proactive global engagement. Institutions in North America may need to deepen ties with partners abroad, whether through research, exchange programs or shared innovation. Strong leadership will be essential to navigate these changes and forge new models of collaboration. Economic, political and demographic forces are converging to reshape priorities, and institutions that meet this moment with clarity and courage will be the ones to thrive.
Evo: How can technology help higher ed institutions transform the staffing limitations they’re stuck with into an opportunity of innovation and growth?
VN: Technology has always shaped higher education, supporting research, administration, teaching and advancement, but we’re now entering a new inflection point with AI—one that mirrors the internet’s rise but extends even further.
Reflecting on past tech leaps like the emergence of the internet and the World Wide Web, the key shifts were access, connectivity and applications. With AI, we now have vast digital data and unparalleled computing power, but how institutions benefit, similar to the early days of the internet, will vary based on context—region, infrastructure, access. And that variation will shape the speed and scope of adoption. Critically, this time we have the chance to learn from history. Policymakers were late to regulate the internet, but with AI we can act earlier. Institutions can proactively define ethical frameworks and usage policies to ensure equity, guard against bias and avoid deepening the digital divide.
So, what does this mean for higher education? It’s an open field for innovation—if we’re willing to engage. Especially given the pressures around funding, staffing and learner needs, there are four core areas where AI could make an impact: institutional management, teaching and faculty support, learning and assessment, and lifelong learning. AI-powered chatbots, for example, can now offer dynamic, humanlike responses using natural language processing, freeing up staff and improving student support. Similarly, intelligent tutoring systems adjust in real time to a student’s progress, providing personalized learning pathways that traditional models can’t scale.
While we can’t say with certainty if AI will disrupt the didactic model that still dominates education, it certainly presents opportunities to reimagine what’s possible. The key will be to apply these tools thoughtfully, ethically and with a focus on long-term student success.
Evo: How important is automation in terms of scaling engagement and support for today’s learners seeking personalization?
VN: Automation is essential for scaling support and engagement as learners expect more personalized experiences. AI-driven chatbots, for example, automate responses while adapting to individual needs, easing the burden on staff. But efficiency alone isn’t enough. If the student experience suffers, the benefits are lost. Automation must enhance both operations and the learner journey. Its true power lies in personalization. Unlike scripted systems, AI tools can learn from interactions and offer tailored support, which is especially valuable in continuing education, where learners need flexibility.
Ultimately, automation isn’t just about doing more with less. It’s about creating a smarter, more responsive education system that meets evolving expectations and supports students meaningfully at scale.
Evo: What strategic value can managed services bring to institutions aiming to optimize their operations while maintaining a student-first approach?
VN: There’s clear value in managed and shared service models, especially around IT infrastructure, whether delivered externally or internally. What’s key is understanding how these models are structured, how optimized they are and whether they meet defined standards while supporting both learners and institutional efficiency. That balance between cost savings and maintaining a high-quality student experience is tricky. Institutions want to recruit top students and deliver exceptional learning, but they’re also under pressure to streamline operations, often with limited staff. It’s a tough tension to manage.
However, technology—and managed services in particular—can help bridge that gap. When we implement them thoughtfully, these models can drive both efficiency and a student-first approach, reducing operational strain while enhancing the learner journey.
Evo: How can institutional leaders ensure technology and automation adoption builds long-term resilience to the future while driving sustainable learner engagement?
VN: Technology in education often gets adopted for its flash, not its function. I recall someone describing literacy programs being chosen based on bells and whistles rather than real educational outcomes—and that mindset still exists today. Institutional leaders need to cut through the hype and focus on alignment. Does this technology support institutional strategy? Is it easy to use, cost-effective and meaningful to the learner experience? Does it support the achievement of learning outcomes?
Clear strategy and communication are critical. Without them, decisions can feel arbitrary, leading to resistance. Leaders must also engage with industry and community to ensure technology choices reflect evolving learner and workforce needs. Long-term resilience isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about clarity of purpose. When institutions understand what they want technology to achieve and prioritize learner outcomes, they’re better positioned to adopt tools that drive sustainable impact, not just short-term excitement.
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