Universities and Smart Specialisation Strategy: From Third Mission to Sustainable Development Co-Creation

Purpose: The paper analyses the emerging role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) universities in contemporary society via third- and fourth-mission activities. In particular, the paper investigates the potential contributions that SSH universities can offer in developing and enhancing capacitie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sustainability in higher education 2018-01, Vol.19 (1), p.67-84
Main Authors: Rinaldi, Chiara, Cavicchi, Alessio, Spigarelli, Francesca, Lacchè, Luigi, Rubens, Arthur
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorptivity
Academic Language
Action Research
Case Studies
Community
Community Relations
Cooperation
Cultural heritage
Debate
Economic Development
Economic growth
Economics and Business
Educational Sciences
Ekonomi och näringsliv
Entrepreneurship
Foreign Countries
Geographic Regions
Higher education
Humanities
Innovation
Innovations
Institutional Mission
Knowledge Economy
Leadership
Leadership Role
Local Government
Regional development
Role
Science
Smart specialisation
Social Development
Social Sciences
Society
Specialization
Stakeholders
Strategic Planning
Sustainability
Sustainable Development
Technology Transfer
Third and fourth mission
Universities
Utbildningsvetenskap
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Summary:Purpose: The paper analyses the emerging role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) universities in contemporary society via third- and fourth-mission activities. In particular, the paper investigates the potential contributions that SSH universities can offer in developing and enhancing capacities, supporting the changing conception of innovation coherently through a Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) approach. Design/methodology/approach: The case study presents multiple third- and fourth-mission activities carried out by the University of Macerata (Italy). The activities are framed according to the roles universities could have in supporting S3. Findings: Within third- and fourth-mission activities, SSH universities can play different and broader roles (generative, absorptive, collaborative and leadership), which could support regions in designing and implementing S3. Practical implications: The paper shows the important contributions that SSH universities can make in their regions, both to support S3 and enhance the transition to sustainable development. Social implications: The article emphasises SSH universities' multiple contributions to sustainable development and to innovation in the knowledge society/economy framework. Originality/value: This case study captures SSH universities' contributions to S3 and the wider innovation paradigm, by highlighting their transformational effect on regional economies.
ISSN:1467-6370
1758-6739
DOI:10.1108/IJSHE-04-2016-0070