ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

The 21st century is an era where the digital revolution and rapid demographic changes significantly impact social structures and functions. These changes necessitate a reevaluation of the roles and responsibilities of higher education, highlighting the need for amendments to higher education laws. In the era of the digital revolution, advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have brought about revolutionary changes in the accessibility, methods, and content of education. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has starkly demonstrated the necessity and potential of remote education. However, current higher education laws are predominantly structured around traditional educational methods, lacking the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing educational environment. To address this, it is essential to strengthen digital education infrastructure, ensure the quality of online education, and establish legal grounds for enhancing privacy protection and cybersecurity. The challenges posed by demographic decline and aging, leading to regional extinction, present new issues for higher education. Many universities are struggling with reduced student numbers, and the situation is particularly dire for regional universities. There is a need for developing customized educational programs tailored to regional characteristics, strengthening regional cooperative education, and implementing lifelong education programs considering aging populations. Additionally, ensuring the autonomy of universities and promoting industry-academia cooperation are crucial for universities to contribute to regional economies and societies. This paper proposes directions for amending higher education laws in response to the digital revolution and demographic changes. It suggests strategies such as enhancing university autonomy, promoting lifelong education, and fostering industry-academia cooperation. By doing so, it aims to establish the legal and institutional foundations necessary for higher education to meet societal demands and achieve sustainable development.

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