New challenges to education and research in a global economy

Education must meet the new challenges of a global economy. Globalization presents increasing demands not only on knowledge and ability but also on the environment of knowledge and ability. Globalization does not mean simply to homogenize the economy, markets and culture but rather to deal with differing environments. To act on a global scale entails being very familiar with local situations. Therefore, in almost all branches of learning, education must prepare the educated for changing demands. We do not leave the haven of school to enter a world to which we are accustomed. This holds true, especially for a world that is globalizing itself. The research triangle and transdisciplinarity are answers to this situation.