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

• 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
• ISSN: 1467-6370; 1758-6739
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-04-2016-0070

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.