Integrating research into teaching is pivotal in fostering critical thinking, innovation, and lifelong learning, especially in an era of rapid technological advancements and global educational transformations. Research-based education bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping students with analytical skills, adaptability, and inquiry. However, many higher education institutions struggle to implement research-integrated curricula due to financial constraints, failing to attract students to research-profiled programs due to limited scholarships and inadequate institutional visibility. This challenge is evident in Sweden, where universities, including Mid Sweden University, face difficulties securing sufficient research funding in some subject areas and do not provide scholarships, impacting institutional growth and student engagement. A strategic approach is essential, emphasizing increased funding, fostering stronger international collaborations, and enhancing research visibility. To foster an inquiry-driven learning culture, universities should implement structured teaching strategies, including research-oriented curricula, interactive workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Faculty members are critical in imparting knowledge, researching, and mentoring students. As the Swedish Council for Higher Education outlines, a knowledge-driven environment requires a commitment to academic freedom and integrity, as emphasized in the Act on Responsibility for Good Research Practice and the Examination of Research Misconduct (2019:504).

Swedish higher education operates under complex governance structures balancing academic autonomy, financial sustainability, and societal impact. This paper examines four institutional approaches—professional, managerial, developmental, and market-driven—that shape research integration in education. The professional approach, rooted in the Humboldtian model, emphasizes knowledge and academic independence. The managerial approach prioritizes institutional ranking and resource allocation; the developmental approach focuses on continuous innovation in educational practices, while the market-driven approach aligns knowledge production with economic imperatives, ensuring research addresses industry needs and global demands. Looking ahead, universities might navigate these approaches, focusing on research-driven strategies by prioritizing three areas: expanding international partnerships, advancing sustainable research initiatives, and integrating digital technologies into academic programs. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting ethical research practices enhance institutional competitiveness and contribute to societal progress. By combining research-based teaching with institutional strategies, universities can develop an educational framework supporting inquiry-based learning, equipping students with critical skills to address global challenges. This fosters competencies for navigating complexities, highlighting the importance of research-driven education in preparing graduates.

Ultimately, prioritizing suggested strategic areas to leverage research-driven approaches empowers educators to transform learning, fostering an environment encouraging inquiry, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Institutions can create an inclusive, knowledge-driven, transformative system by overcoming financial and structural challenges and leveraging resources.

Keywords: Research-based education, lifelong learning, digital integration, scholarship, research funding, research-oriented curricula, institutional growth, student engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, resource allocation.