Engaged Futures - Domains of Action
The key outcome of the Engaged Futures Group Workshop 2 in July 2025 was the identification of five 'Domains of Action' — clusters of actors and initiatives that are already contributing to systemic change in higher education. These domains emerged through a participatory clustering process, informed by the Three Horizons framework and a refined shortlist of H2+ actors (disruptive and innovative organisations working toward transformation).
Why these domains matter
In the Three Horizons approach:
- H1 represents the dominant but declining system.
- H3 is the aspirational future we want to bring into being.
- H2+ is the transitional space where innovation and disruption can catalyse change.
The five Domains of Action represent areas of current momentum where H2+ actors are already working in ways that disrupt or innovate the current system, taking it towards H3 values. By identifying and cohering these domains, the group laid the foundation for a joined-up system of action that can accelerate transformation.
Approach to developing Domains of Action
Participants reviewed and refined a curated list of 42 H2+ actors. In breakout groups, they clustered these actors based on how they reinforce each other’s impact — a method called reinforcement clustering. The approach does not group like-for-like organisations but groups those whose work reinforces one another. This was likened to arranging a wardrobe, not by aligning the same items e.g. trousers but choosing outfits. This led to the emergence of five distinct domains, each representing a strategic area for collective action.