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Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to Social Innovation: Practices in Two Southern European Universities

Author

Listed:
  • Sílvia Monteiro

    (Research Center on Education, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • Rosa Isusi-Fagoaga

    (University Institute of Educational Creativity and Innovation (IUCIE), Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Leandro Almeida

    (Research Center on Education, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

  • Adela García-Aracil

    (Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Management, INGENIO (CSIC-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

The interactions between the higher education sector and society and industry have been attracting increased attention in terms of ways to develop social innovation solutions to societal problems. Despite calls from politicians and the existence of some guidelines, we know little about how higher education could incorporate social innovation activities into its structure and missions. This study examines some practice experiences in two southern European public universities in Portugal and Spain. We show that the third mission of universities, which includes social innovation, is both linked to the first two missions of teaching and research, depending on the university’s historical and social context. The high dependence of higher education institutions on economic returns increases the importance of political action to drive the development of social innovation activities. This conditioning factor seems to be intrinsic to some of the barriers that have been identified, such as lack of legitimization and recognition of social innovation practices at the formal governmental level.

Suggested Citation

  • Sílvia Monteiro & Rosa Isusi-Fagoaga & Leandro Almeida & Adela García-Aracil, 2021. "Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to Social Innovation: Practices in Two Southern European Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:3594-:d:523023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ridvan Cinar, 2019. "Delving into social entrepreneurship in universities: is it legitimate yet?," Regional Studies, Regional Science, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 217-232, January.
    2. Adela García-Aracil, 2013. "Understanding productivity changes in public universities: Evidence from Spain," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 22(5), pages 351-368, August.
    3. Bayuo, Blaise Booponoyeng & Chaminade, Cristina & Göransson, Bo, 2020. "Unpacking the role of universities in the emergence, development and impact of social innovations – A systematic review of the literature," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    4. Bayrak, Tuncay, 2020. "A content analysis of top-ranked universities’ mission statements from five global regions," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
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    2. Maria Adamakou & Spyros Niavis & Dimitris Kallioras & George Petrakos, 2021. "Understanding the Regional Engagement of Universities from a Stakeholders’ Perspective: The Case of the University of Thessaly, Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, September.

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