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Evaluation of Scientific Research in Universities Based on the Idea of Education for Sustainable Development

Author

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  • Zhe Cheng

    (Institute of Education, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
    Institute of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore)

  • Tong Xiao

    (Institute of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Chen Chen

    (Institute of Education Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China)

  • Xiong Xiong

    (Institute of Education, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China)

Abstract

Our research aims to establish an evaluation framework and evaluate the sustainability of scientific research in universities. Based on the concept of Education for Sustainable Development and the function of scientific research activities, an evaluation framework was constructed including three dimensions: the sustainable trend of scientific research activity, research performance related to the topic of sustainable development, and sustainability of scientific research contributions. Descriptive analysis, Data Envelopment Analysis, and a Statistical Index Method were used to calculate the sustainability of scientific research of world-class universities in China. Results show that China’s world-class universities published more articles related to sustainable development than the best-performing universities in the UK and USA. They make sustainable contributions to society through cultivating Ph.D. graduates, publishing research papers, and transforming science and technology. However, the sustainable trend of the scientific research of universities is still to be improved. The result of resource efficiency is relatively low, and attention should be paid to the waste of human and financial resources. In addition, universities should improve their ability to withstand external risks to minimize the influence of external public emergencies such as COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhe Cheng & Tong Xiao & Chen Chen & Xiong Xiong, 2022. "Evaluation of Scientific Research in Universities Based on the Idea of Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2474-:d:754892
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    1. Elisabeta-Emilia Halmaghi & Diana-Elena Ranf & Dorel Badea, 2023. "Interdisciplinary Exploration between Organizational Culture and Sustainable Development Management Applied to the Romanian Higher Education Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Chen Zhe & Chen Chen & Zheng Yueyang & Xiong Xiong & Tong Xiao, 2023. "Evaluation of Scientific Research in Universities Based on the Theories for Sustainable Competitive Advantage," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, June.

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