The Economic and Social Impact of Humanity 2.0 on Higher Education in the UK and Beyond

Abstract

This article investigates the economic impact of Humanity 2.0 on UK higher education. Humanity 2.0, as outlined by Steve Fuller, concerns enhancement utilizing technological and biomedical applications in order to digitize humanity, affecting the social, biomedical, neuropharmaceutical, and technological components of humanity’s evolution. As students, staff, and faculty members begin to further enhance their physical characteristics and minds, senior leadership in institutions of higher education (IHEs) must be prepared to address these topics and provide forums for discussion. As IHEs are economic engines of growth for their local and regional communities, harnessing the power of Humanity 2.0 will have direct impacts on the inputs, outputs, and overall impacts of IHEs. The study concludes that embracing Humanity 2.0 and harnessing its powerful effects can lead to:• Humanity 2.0 serving as catalyst for building sustainable networks, with stronger connections between IHEs, communities, government, and industry.• Positive growth in university research and innovation efforts, as well as potential for an increase in startup companies based on Humanity 2.0 developments.• An increase in domestic productivity and an improved global competitive positioning for UK IHEs.• Increased focus on exporting of higher education as a service, as well as an outlet to focus on improved graduation rates for all UK IHE students.• IHEs serving as thought leaders on Humanity 2.0 research and ethics, including topics such as disabilities and emerging assistive technologies, ethics of neuropharmaceutical enhancement, and Fuller’s proposal to re-imagine the liberal arts curriculum to include the brain as the center of the humanities.