The Consortium for the Benchmarking Framework for Online, Open, Smart and Technology-Enhanced Higher Education convened its annual Presidents’ Meeting on 22 January 2026, bringing together leaders from over 30 universities and international organizations worldwide. The meeting marked continued growth of the Consortium, with the introduction of new members, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Bavarian University of Business and Technology (HDBW), Trinity University of Asia (TUA), and The Digital School. Participants reviewed the outcomes of the 2025 benchmarking cycle, highlighting the increasing maturity of the framework as a tool supporting institutional development, quality enhancement, and evidence-based decision-making.

Discussions focused on shaping the next phase of the Consortium’s work, with particular emphasis on advancing the practical implementation of stackable education and addressing the implications of artificial intelligence in higher education. The meeting reaffirmed the Consortium’s role as a global platform for collaboration, supporting members in navigating the evolving landscape of digital and lifelong learning.