Polytechnic Summit

Shaping the future of polytechnic education throughout the world.
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Save the Date! Polytechnic Summit 2026
May 17-20, 2026

The Annual Global Polytechnic Summit is returning to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, in 2026. More details to come. 

About the Polytechnic Summit

The annual Polytechnic Summit brings polytechnic academic professionals and community leaders together to focus on innovation in curriculum and applied research, to build opportunities for collaboration and partnership on research and student learning, and to share best practices specific to active, applied learning. The Summit assembles leaders who shape the future of polytechnic education.

In 2017, six universities—Coventry University (UK), Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Purdue University (U.S.) and University of Wisconsin – Stout (U.S.)—came together to develop relationships and strategic collaborative opportunities through successful development and delivery of university-level degree programs, applied research, professional development programs, and community outreach activities. Among the scope of these activities is an annual conference—the Polytechnic Summit.

Past Summit Themes & Topics

  • Developing Cross-Institutional Research Partnerships Focusing on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
  • Industry and Higher Education Collaborations: Keys to Fostering Qualified Talent
  • General Education at Polytechnic Institutions
  • Developing an Institutional Change Plan Towards Gender Equity
  • Harnessing Digital Technology for Humanitarian Aid and International Development
  • Design and Fabrication of Functional Parts with a Desktop 3D Printer
2025 Summit | University of Wisconsin - Stout

University of Wisconsin - Stout | May 18-21, 2025

The Annual Global Polytechnic Summit is returning to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. The 2025 theme for the event is: Education Designed for the Future. Tracks will include:

  • Industry/Business Engagement Best Practices
  • Designing for Humanistic and AI Partnerships
  • Future-Focused University Systems and Infrastructure
  • Entrepreneurship on a Polytechnic Campus
  • Polytechnic Learning
2024 Summit | Algonquin College

Algonquin College | May 14-16, 2024

Keynote Presentations
  • "From Concept to Creation: An Indigenous Entrepreneur’s Journey," Jenn Harper, Indigenous Entrepreneur; Founder, Cheekbone Beauty Inc.
  • "Preparing Learners for First Job Success," Ryan Craig, Managing Director, Achieve Parners 

View the 2024 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2023 Summit | Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University | June 4-7, 2023

Keynote Presenters
  • Dr. Fahmida N. Chowdhury, Office of International Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation
  • Sylvester Johnson, Director of Humanities Center, Virginia Tech
  • Molly Kocialski, Regional Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • David Vuletich, Senior Director, EAB
  • Dustin Daugherty, Managing Director, World Trade Center Utah
  • Dr. Tom Rosenbaum, President, CalTech University & Chris Guymon, Associate Provost, Utah Tech University
  • Gary Bertoline, Senior Vice President, Purdue Online and Learning Innovation

View the 2023 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2022 Summit | Hochschule Darmstadt

Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences | June 28-30, 2022 (Hybrid)

Keynote Presentations
  • "Future Perspectives of Teaching and Learning at Universities of Applied Sciences,” Ulrike Tippe, TH Wildau
  • "Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: A Practitioner's Views on University Education," Klaus-Michael Ahrend, HEAG Holding AG Investment Management
  • "Designing an Open Polytechnic University," Michael Lacourse, Utah Tech University

View the 2022 Polytechnic Summit Archive

Read the 2022 Summit Session Papers

2021 Summit | Technological University Dublin

Technological University Dublin | June 1-4, 2021 (Online)

View the 2021 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2019 Summit | University of Wisconsin-Stout

University of Wisconsin-Stout | June 4-5, 2019

Keynote Presenters
  • Keynote Panel: "Global Partners European Alliance," Barbara Howell, Coventry University; Bernd Steffensen, Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences; Mark Deegan, Technology University-Dublin; Uwe W. Schulz, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Robert F. Cox, Purdue University; and Charles Bomar, University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • Additional Keynote Presenters
    • Bob Meyer, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    • Craig Yolitz, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    • Denise M. Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    • Steve Hellen, Catholic Relief Services

View the 2019 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2018 Summit | Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología

Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología | June 1-6, 2018

Keynote Presentations
  • "Becoming a Successful Change Master: 5 Subtle Shifts Toward the New Missing Basics of Effective Practitioners," Dave Goldberg, ThreeJoy Associates, Inc.
  • "Global Trends and the Future of Higher Education," Jaime Saavedra
  • "STEM Education: What We Know Works & Why It's Not Widely Done," Phillip D. Long, University of Texas at Austin
  • "The 21st Century Polytechnic University," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
  • "The Evolution of a Polytechnic University," Patrick Guilfoile & Glendali Rodriguez, University of Wisconsin-Stout
  • "Transforming Higher Education in Engineering and Technology," Carlos Heeren

View the 2018 Polytechnic Summit Archive

2017 Summit | Purdue University

Purdue University | June 6-7, 2017

Keynote Presentations
  • "21st Century Polytechnics," Gary Bertoline, Purdue University
  • "Leveraging Engineering Education Innovation to Redefine Undergraduate Education," Vincent P. Manno, Olin College of Engineering
  • "Traversing Boundaries to Transform Virginia Tech into a 'VT-Shaped University'," Tim Sands, Virginia Tech
  • "A Novel Approach to Engineering Education," Carlos Heeran, Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia

View the 2017 Polytechnic Summit Archive


Faculty Highlights

All Faculty Highlights News
Space tourism’s growth blurs the line between scientific and symbolic achievement – a tourism scholar explains how Featured Image

Space tourism’s growth blurs the line between scientific and symbolic achievement – a tourism scholar explains how

Professor Betsy Pudliner investigates how space tourism’s growth blurs the line between scientific and symbolic achievement.
Education Designed for the Future: UW-Stout to host global Polytechnic Summit, May 18-21 Featured Image

Education Designed for the Future: UW-Stout to host global Polytechnic Summit, May 18-21

Keynotes on AI, humanities; Evolution of Education panel; Applied Research Showcase
Educators find creative work-arounds to new laws that restrict what they can teach Featured Image

Educators find creative work-arounds to new laws that restrict what they can teach

Professor Riley Drake recounts how teachers are continuing to support their students without violating executive orders or the law.

Additional Information for 2025 Attendees