Towards a University for Sustainable Development: The Case of INGENIUM European University
Forsström, Anna (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120331904
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120331904
Tiivistelmä
The present master's thesis examines how HEIs within the INGENIUM consortium integrate the principles of sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into their teaching, research, and institutional strategies. The research was conducted as part of the INGENIUM Work Package 7 and was based on a survey addressed to the ten European universities participating in the consortium. The objective of the present study was to identify the current state of sustainability integration, to highlight good practices, and to recognise areas for further development.
Thematic analysis of the survey responses was facilitated by the SDG Impact Assessment Tool, which enabled the identification of direct and indirect positive impacts across all 17 SDGs. The analysis focused on the extent to which sustainability is embedded in curricula, pedagogical approaches, staff development, and institutional operations. Furthermore, the study investigated collaboration with regional stakeholders and the specific support needs of companies and organisations in implementing sustainable practices.
The findings suggest that all INGENIUM universities have integrated sustainable development into their educational structures and strategic frameworks, though the extent of advancement varies. The integration of sustainability into degree programmes is becoming increasingly prevalent, with interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching methods being adopted to reflect the transformative role of education in building a sustainable future. Moreover, the INGENIUM universities actively promote the engagement of teachers, researchers, students, and service staff in sustainability activities. The analysis also revealed strong regional collaboration, with universities serving as key partners in the provision of expertise, training, and tools for sustainable development.
The study concludes that while INGENIUM universities demonstrate a clear commitment to the SDGs, systematic and institution-wide approaches remain under development in several areas, particularly in the alignment of pedagogical practices and operational policies. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of European HEIs in advancing the SDGs, and provide a foundation for strategic actions and continuous improvement within the INGENIUM alliance.
Thematic analysis of the survey responses was facilitated by the SDG Impact Assessment Tool, which enabled the identification of direct and indirect positive impacts across all 17 SDGs. The analysis focused on the extent to which sustainability is embedded in curricula, pedagogical approaches, staff development, and institutional operations. Furthermore, the study investigated collaboration with regional stakeholders and the specific support needs of companies and organisations in implementing sustainable practices.
The findings suggest that all INGENIUM universities have integrated sustainable development into their educational structures and strategic frameworks, though the extent of advancement varies. The integration of sustainability into degree programmes is becoming increasingly prevalent, with interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching methods being adopted to reflect the transformative role of education in building a sustainable future. Moreover, the INGENIUM universities actively promote the engagement of teachers, researchers, students, and service staff in sustainability activities. The analysis also revealed strong regional collaboration, with universities serving as key partners in the provision of expertise, training, and tools for sustainable development.
The study concludes that while INGENIUM universities demonstrate a clear commitment to the SDGs, systematic and institution-wide approaches remain under development in several areas, particularly in the alignment of pedagogical practices and operational policies. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of European HEIs in advancing the SDGs, and provide a foundation for strategic actions and continuous improvement within the INGENIUM alliance.