The Heritage Foundation today launches a new Google+ Hangout series on innovative policy ideas. Produced in conjunction with the Center for Policy Innovation, today’s conversation focuses on the future of higher education. Tune in at noon ET.

Disruptive innovation is transforming higher education and challenging the business models at colleges and universities. In a recent Center for Policy Innovation discussion paper, Oklahoma State University professor Vance Fried said technological advances and other changes will redefine a college education in the next few years.

Students, for example, could pursue their studies at different institutions to enhance their experience. Online coursework has already forced Ivy League universities to adapt.

What does this mean for the residential college experience? How will it impact the cost of a college degree? What can be done to encourage these innovations? And will it ultimately lead to more upward economic mobility for Americans?

Tune in to our Google+ Hangout today at noon ET as we explore these questions and others. Joining the conversation are leading experts on education:

  • Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D., a distinguished fellow and director of the Center for Policy Innovation at The Heritage Foundation (@stuartmbutler)
  • Lindsey Burke, the Will Skillman Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation (@lindseymburke)
  • Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, director of development at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni

The Heritage Foundation hosts weekly Google+ Hangouts on a variety of public policy issues. Connect with Heritage on Google+ and subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive updates.