Introduction

1.1. Preamble

Mid-West University (MU) stands at a pivotal moment in its history. As we look toward the future, the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancements in technology, the evolving demands of the global workforce, and the imperative to address societal issues with innovative solutions require a strategically forward-thinking approach. The Five-Year Strategic Plan of Action, 2082/83-2086/87 (2026-2030), 'shaping academia, research, and innovation' has been articulated to guide Mid-West University through the next five-year operating cycle beyond, ensuring that we not only adapt to these changes but also lead in shaping the future of higher education in Nepal and the broader region. This Strategic Plan is the outcome of extensive consultation, research, and reflection on the University’s past achievements, present status, developing environment, evolving technologies, and future aspirations. It reflects our shared commitment to aligning with a concept that envisions developing a smart community of higher education institutions and system practices where digital technologies are deeply integrated into every aspect of life, enhancing human well-being and promoting sustainable development. By embracing this vision, the University is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where technology and human creativity coexist harmoniously, empowering our students, faculty, and the wider community to thrive in an interconnected world.

1.2. Background

Established in 2067 BS (2010 AD) under the Mid-Western University Act, MU has rapidly grown to become a key institution in the landscape of Nepalese higher education. The University plans to continue serving a diverse student body across multiple campuses, offering programs that span a wide range of disciplines including agriculture and forestry, education, engineering, humanities and social sciences, management, public administration, law, medicine and nursing, science and technology, natural resources, and others. Our philosophical orientation stems strongly from a central focus on developing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) embedded labor market-driven program (LMDP) framework-based curricular design, system capacity development, and implementation as the core deliverable disciplines of a truly Universal higher education institution. Over the years, MU has made significant progress in expanding its academic offerings, enhancing research capabilities, and building partnerships with national and international institutions. However, the present status of the University also demands several areas that require  focused attention and consistent delivery for improvement. While we have made progress in infrastructure development, there is a need to further modernize our facilities embedding Green-SMART concepts, academic programs, curricula, system of teaching-learning, and assessment to support cutting-edge research and innovative teaching and research methods. The digital transformation of our operations is underway, but greater efforts are required to fully integrate technology into our educational delivery and administrative processes. Additionally, as a public institution, MU faces constraints in financial resourcing that necessitate a strategic approach to effective resource management, sustainable development, and growth for the future.

The broader context within which MU operates includes Nepal's ongoing efforts to enhance its higher education system, the global shift towards information communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled online and hybrid learning models, and the increasing importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex societal challenges. This Strategic Plan is therefore both a response to the current realities and a proactive strategy for positioning MU as a leading higher education institution of Nepal for the world.

1.3. Strategic Aim of the Five-Year Plan

The primary aim of the Five-Year Strategic Plan of Action, 2082/83–2086/87 (2026–2030), is to provide a clear, actionable, and forward-looking roadmap that guides Mid-West University’s transformational growth over the coming five years. The Plan goes beyond outlining routine administrative or operational adjustments; it embodies a comprehensive vision to position MU as a globally competitive university distinguished by academic excellence, cutting-edge research and innovation, technological integration, sustainability, and inclusive societal engagement. The scope of the Plan spans the full spectrum of the University’s academic and institutional functions. It encompasses curriculum reform and interdisciplinary program development; research, innovation, and promotion; sustainable infrastructure development; digitalization and automation; Green and SMART transformation; community engagement and outreach; institutional partnerships and collaborations; and resilient governance and financial sustainability. The Plan is also firmly anchored in Nepal’s federal context and national development priorities, with sensitivity to the socio-economic realities and development needs of Karnali Province and the nation. Through the implementation of this Strategic Plan, MU seeks to establish a strong institutional foundation for long-term excellence and transformation. The expected outcomes include: i. Academic Excellence: Advancing high-quality, interdisciplinary, and technologyintegrated teaching–learning and research systems that respond to evolving societal and market needs and address real-world challenges. ii. Infrastructure Modernization: Developing, modernizing, and maintaining climateresilient, smart, and digitally enabled infrastructure that includes academic blocks, laboratories, libraries, and research centers supporting advanced pedagogy, innovation, and collaborative learning. iii. Green and SMART Transformation: Institutionalizing green campus concepts and fully integrating digital and automated systems across academic, administrative, and research functions to enhance accessibility, efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. iv. Global and Strategic Partnerships: Expanding mutually beneficial partnerships with national and international universities, research and development institutions, industries, and development partners to promote mobility, joint research, innovation, international accreditation, and global visibility. v. Sustainability, Good Governance, and Inclusivity: Strengthening institutional governance systems and ensuring financial sustainability while promoting gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), environmental responsibility, and equitable access to quality higher education for diverse communities. MID-WEST UNIVERSITY, FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2082/83-2086/87 [2026-2030] Mid-West University, Nepal | Five-Year Strategic Plan | 2082/83-2086/87 |2026-2030 | 3 In essence, the Strategic Plan aims to guide Mid-West University toward becoming a dynamic hub of knowledge creation, innovation, and societal contribution, cultivating competitive graduates, generating impactful research, and fostering a resilient, inclusive, and globally engaged learning ecosystem.

1.4. Strategic Thrusts of the University Vision:

To be a globally engaged and reputed university that drives innovation, inclusivity, and societal well-being through proactive learning and sustainable development. Mission: Mid-West University is committed to deliver inclusive, high-quality education; advance knowledge through research and innovation; and engage communities so that our students, faculty, and staff excel as ethical leaders contributing to sustainable societal transformation. Goals: We, at MU, aspire to:

Goal 1 | Achieve academic excellence through innovative, interdisciplinary, and technologyintegrated teaching, learning, and research practices.

Goal 2 | Modernize, expand, and sustain University infrastructure to support dynamic academic, research, innovation, and service functions.

Goal 3 | Foster Green and SMART enhancements with environmental stewardship and ecosystem conservation while embedding digital technologies for efficient and effective academic and administrative operations.

Goal 4 | Build and sustain strategic partnerships that strengthen MU’s academic, research, innovation, and advocacy capacities at national and international levels.

Goal 5 | Promote sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility across all University systems, programs, and practices.

These goals define the clarity of strategic direection of the University. MU is resolutely committed to academic excellence, robust and future-proof infrastructure, Green and SMART transformation, purposeful partnerships, and a culture of sustainability and inclusion. Through this integrated pursuit, the University will deliver competent graduates, produce impactful research and innovation, and serve as a decisive catalyst for regional, national, and global progress.

Objective: To strengthen Mid-West University as a globally repute institution by enhancing academic excellence, expanding research and innovation, promoting inclusivity and sustainability, and delivering impactful education and community engagement that contribute to national and global development. Our collective pursuit is to achieve the following seven strategic objectives:

Objective 1 | Academic Excellence: Strengthen interdisciplinary education, promote industryacademia linkages, foster innovative teaching-learning systems, and integrate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data into curricula and research.

Objective 2 | Research, Innovation, and Promotion: Establish state-of-the-art research centers, innovation labs, and information resource systems; promote teacher and staff development; and foster collaborations that drive transformative knowledge creation, protection, and dissemination. MID-WEST UNIVERSITY, FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2082/83-2086/87 [2026-2030] Mid-West University, Nepal | Five-Year Strategic Plan | 2082/83-2086/87 |2026-2030 | 4 Objective 3 | Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Develop, modernize, and maintain sustainable, smart, and digitally enabled infrastructure including advanced academic blocks, hightech laboratories, and green campuses to support high-quality teaching, learning, and research.

Objective 4 | Digitalization and Automation: Implement a comprehensive framework for university-wide digitalization and automation, leverage AI-driven research methodologies, and adopt fully integrated learning management systems for seamless academic delivery and assessment.

Objective 5 | Partnership and Collaboration: Strengthen academic and research partnerships with governments and national and international institutions, promoting faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research, innovation, outreach, endowments, and international accreditation and recognition.

Objective 6 | Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Align academic programs with national development priorities; engage proactively with local and global stakeholders; and promote inclusive education, environmental sustainability, and regional economic development through policy advocacy and outreach.

Objective 7 | Governance and Financial Sustainability: Enhance institutional governance systems and ensure financial sustainability through strategic resource creation and mobilization while advancing efficient and transparent university-wide administration.

These strategic objectives aim at operationalization of the University’s ambition to be a higher education institution of excellence. Through focused advancement in interdisciplinary academics, cutting-edge research and innovation, sustainable and digital infrastructure, purposeful partnerships, community engagement, and sound governance and financing, MU will ensure highimpact education and knowledge creation that directly contributes to national priorities and global competitiveness.

Core Values: MU aspires to be recognized as a futuristic institution guided by the following core value systems in our strategic thinking and operations:

i. Innovation: We nurture creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation in teaching, research, and community engagement.

ii. Excellence: We uphold the highest academic, professional, and ethical standards in all our endeavors.

iii. Inclusivity: We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity, accessibility, and inclusive policies and programs.

iv. Sustainability: We commit to environmental responsibility and long-term institutional resilience for the well-being of present and future generations.

v. Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships and teamwork, locally, nationally, and globally, to achieve shared goals and generate wider societal impact.

These core values define the institutional identity and the ways Mid-West University acts. These core values anchor our decisions, shape our culture, and guide our journey toward becoming a reputed university that delivers meaningful academic, social, and global impact.

Strategic Priorities: Aligned with MU’s vision on creating opportunities for globally recognized education, innovation, and excellence, the University identifies the following Five Strategic Priorities to guide its actions during the plan period:

i. Human-Centered Innovation: Advancing the integration of emerging and disruptive technologies with learner-focused pedagogy and research, ensuring that innovation remains ethical, inclusive, and socially relevant.

ii. Green and SMART Infrastructure: Developing climate-resilient, energy-efficient, intelligent, and digitally connected campuses that support high-quality teaching, research, innovation, and service delivery.

iii. Digital Literacy and Empowerment: Enhancing digital competencies among students, faculty, researchers, and administrators to enable effective use of AI, data analytics, virtual platforms, and emerging technologies in academic and administrative processes.

iv. Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation: Promoting research ecosystems that transcend disciplinary boundaries, foster industry-academia collaboration, and address complex societal, environmental, and economic challenges.

v. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Strengthening engagement with local, provincial, national, and global communities through outreach, policy advocacy, entrepreneurship support, and socially responsive programs that advance inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development.

These strategic priorities focus MU’s energy and resources on what matters the most. They provide a clear roadmap for translating vision into action, driving ethical innovation, sustainable growth, digital empowerment, interdisciplinary excellence, and meaningful community impact throughout the plan period.

1.5. Anchoring the Thrusts for Five-Year Strategic Planning

Building on the foundational logic, strategic intent, and institutional aspirations already articulated, including MU’s contextual realities, vision, mission, goals, core values, priorities, and strategic objectives, the Five-Year Strategic Plan of Action presents a coherent and future-oriented framework for institutional transformation. This framework aligns academic excellence, research and innovation, Green-SMART transformation, and societal engagement within a unified strategic compass.

The strategic thrusts set forth in this Plan embody Mid-West University’s commitment to a humancentered, technology-enabled, and sustainability-driven model of higher education that is responsive to both the regional realities of Karnali Province and global shifts in knowledge, skills, and innovation ecosystems. These thrusts are conceived not as discrete aspirations, but as mutually reinforcing drivers that will guide institutional decision-making, resource mobilization, policy alignment, and performance management throughout the planning period.

Anchored in this shared understanding, the subsequent sections of the Plan translate these thrusts into actionable pillars, implementation pathways, and measurable results. Through coherent strategies, accountable governance, and adaptive learning systems, Mid-West University is positioned to operationalize its long-term vision, emerging as a globally reputed institution that contributes meaningfully to national development and to global knowledge creation and dissemination.