Bridging Systems, Shaping Futures: A Theoretical Multilevel Framework for Curriculum Transformation in Higher Education

Abstract

Curricula are no longer just course maps, they are strategic blueprints for navigating uncertainty and driving societal progress. In an era defined by rapid digital change, climate volatility, and widening skills gaps, higher education institutions must evolve from static content providers into agile ecosystems of innovation and resilience. This paper proposes a theoretical, stakeholder-driven multilevel framework for curriculum transformation, grounded in complexity theory, systems thinking, and participatory design. Methodologically anchored in a design-based, mixed methods approach, this conceptual framework emphasizes inclusive governance and adaptive learning but has not yet been implemented. The Faculty of Economics-Skopje at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, a pioneer candidate in Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation in North Macedonia, inspires this work and will serve as the initial institutional context for future empirical validation. The initial application phase will involve the development of tailored surveys and interviews to capture stakeholder perspectives. The study offers a strategic roadmap for universities, policymakers, and industry partners seeking to reimagine curricula as engines of sustainable, inclusive transformation.