This study explores alternative educational strategies that emphasize creativity and the development of skills necessary for designing and implementing solutions to complex, integrative challenges, rather than solely focusing on the acquisition of concepts. The central methodology employs biomimicry as a design paradigm, purposefully incorporating stakeholder engagement to ensure practical application and relevance in real-world scenarios.

The introductory section and literature review critically examine the evolution of contemporary higher education systems and the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven technologies. This analysis is conducted from various perspectives, underscoring the significant impact these technologies can have on reshaping educational value within the socio-economic context.

The study also identifies potential organizational and risk-related challenges, both within higher education and the context of lifelong learning. This includes an exploration of issues such as institutional inertia, resource limitations, the necessity of faculty training, and the risks inherent in adopting novel educational models. The investigation is situated within the framework of biomimetic product design, particularly in the field of civil engineering, using this domain as a detailed case study. This focus is strategically chosen due to its direct link to the European project CSTO2NE, which provides a concrete and contextualized backdrop for examining the research questions.

The study concludes with key insights and recommendations drawn from the analysis, providing a roadmap for utilizing innovative learning approaches to meet current and future challenges in education and design-focused disciplines.

Keywords: Higher Education, Creativity, Biomimicry, Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering.