Why and how do universities work for sustainability in higher education HE

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to open up a discussion about the roles and responsibilities of universities in society. Designmethodologyapproach The vision of the Regional Centre of Expertise RCE Skane a leading example on how to develop new knowledge about education for sustainable developme...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education 2008, Vol.9 (4), p.469-478
Main Authors: Axelsson, Harriet, Sonesson, Kerstin, Wickenberg, Per
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Empowerment
Higher education
Legistation
Students
Sweden
Universities
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Summary:Purpose The purpose of this paper is to open up a discussion about the roles and responsibilities of universities in society. Designmethodologyapproach The vision of the Regional Centre of Expertise RCE Skane a leading example on how to develop new knowledge about education for sustainable development ESD at all levels. The paper poses the question Why do universities involve in this process. Lund University as the old, traditional university and the tenyear old university of Malm on the other hand was formed on the bases of a vision about a university for all people. Findings The paper finds that two universities have been active in creating RCE Skane, together with three political organizations. The vision has developed to include issues like capacity for crossboundary action, knowledgesharing and civic education, all important parts in learning for a sustainable future. Practical implications The paper discusses the processes at these universities that led up to working together in RCE Skne and the importance of having the Act on Higher Education in 2006 about responsibility for education for sustainability at all universities. Originalityvalue In forming RCEs all over the world it is important to learn from each other and universities play an important role in these actions.
ISSN:1467-6370
DOI:10.1108/14676370810905562