SWOT workshop series successfully concluded – foundation laid for strategic development

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With today’s fourth and final session, the University of Münster has successfully concluded its SWOT workshop series as part of its Excellence Strategy process. Over the course of several months, representatives from the Rectorate, central administration, research community, and the University’s Research Advisory Board – in part supported by external expert perspectives – worked together in a structured, data-informed, and participatory process to identify and analyse the University’s key Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

The series consisted of four interlinked workshops, each focusing on key performance dimensions and strategic fields of action:

  • Workshop I (October 21–22, 2024): Definition of methodological foundations – including terminology, evaluation criteria, relevant data sources, and the initial prioritisation of focus areas
  • Workshop II (January 6, 2025): Validation of preliminary findings and refinement of the process design by the Rectorate and the Zukunftslabor
  • SWOT I (March 13, 2025): In-depth analysis of research, internationalisation, early career support, and knowledge transfer, involving a broad range of university stakeholders
  • SWOT II (April 25, 2025): Deep dive into research profiling, teaching, and governance – concluding with a holistic synthesis of the SWOT results


The process was characterised by openness, analytical depth, and strategic focus. Core principles throughout included participation, transparency, and a robust data basis. The results offer a solid foundation for the University’s ongoing strategic development.

A key strategic outcome: The internationalisation of top-level research will form a central pillar of Münster’s long-term Excellence Strategy.

Based on the SWOT analysis, initial measures have already been outlined and prioritised. In the coming months, implementation workshops will follow to further define and operationalise these strategic directions.

The Future Lab designed, coordinated, facilitated, and documented the entire SWOT process. And we will, of course, continue to support the next steps on the University’s path toward excellence.