Proposal for a model integrating sustainability and social innovation in higher education institutions
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 1 December 2022
Issue publication date: 25 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose an integrated model involving concepts of sustainability and social innovation (SI) in higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review, the authors were able to systematize sustainability and SI knowledge, in an integrated manner. Hence, the authors sought to develop a theoretical model that would integrate categories, indicators and sub-indicators, to review initiatives in HEIs in the sustainability and SI domains. The results indicated four major categories: mission, vision and values; curriculum; campus; and healthy environment. The integrated model was applied and validated in a Brazilian educational group, using the main corporate reports as data sources.
Findings
For the educational group analyzed in this study, the themes of sustainability and SI are explicitly and implicitly expressed in the mission, vision and values category. In the curriculum category, these themes are presented through the contents of cross-disciplines in all undergraduate courses, and also through outreach activities, integrating sustainability and SI in a theoretical and/or practical way. Regarding the campus category, the mention is explicit and the HEI works with initiatives aimed at achieving a “green” campus. In the healthy environment category, the educational group studied gives priority to the establishment of a safe and healthy work environment, focusing on labor rights and relations with society.
Originality/value
This work contributes to the advancement of research on the promotion of sustainability and SI in HEIs, proposing an innovative integrated model of analysis for the topics covered.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Development (Greens), from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul) and Ânima Institute – AI, in the context of the project BRIDGE – Building Resilience in a Dynamic Global Economy: Complexity across scales in the Brazilian Food-Water-Energy Nexus; funded by the Newton Fund, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Estado de Santa Catarina (FAPESC), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível superior (CAPES), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Research Councils United Kingdom (RCUK).
Citation
Alvarenga, M., Aguiar Dutra, A.R., Fernandez, F., Thomé, R.L., Junges, I., Nunes, N. and Guerra, J.B.S.O.d.A. (2024), "Proposal for a model integrating sustainability and social innovation in higher education institutions", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 728-743. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2021-0301
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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