Higher education is anticipated to play a pivotal role in realizing Society 5.0, a vision set forth by the Japanese government to address rapidly shifting social paradigms and challenges. This vision aims to foster an inclusive society that prioritizes diversity, fairness, individual dignity, and various aspects of well-being. Consequently, the skills and competencies required of university students are evolving under multiple domestic and international influences. However, one of the most consistently demanded skills for employment remains complex problem-solving (World Economic Forum, 2016, 2020). Although the government has emphasized the "need for interdisciplinary education to resolve social issues through the comprehensive application of knowledge across the wide-ranging fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM)" (Government of Japan, 2022), many higher education institutions remain structured based on subject-specific knowledge. This immediately limits the ability of students to understand complex problems from a variety of integrated perspectives. STEAM approaches to problem-solving strive to integrate scientific-technological, artistic, and humanistic competencies, moving beyond interdisciplinarity to embrace the kind of transdisciplinarity required for future society. In anticipation of the international launch of the Society 5.0 vision at the Osaka-Kansai Japan World Expo 2025, this poster presentation underscores the need for greater transdisciplinary collaboration in higher education as it relates to the development of complex problem-solving competencies from a STEAM perspective. The presentation highlights current trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement, with a focus on educational experiences that best support current and future university students within the context of Society 5.0.

Authors:
Damian Rivers, Future University Hakodate, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Damian Rivers is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Future University Hakodate in Japan

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