Purpose: This study aims to propose an integrated model involving concepts of sustainability and social innovation (SI) in higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach: Based on a literature review, the authors were able to systematize sustainability and SI knowledge, in an integrated manner. Hence, the authors sought to…

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reveal the influence mechanism of social innovation education (SIE) on sustainability learning outcomes and analyze the roles of intrinsic learning motivation and prosocial motivation. Design/methodology/approach: A sample of 322 undergraduates from one higher education institution in Tianjin was used to…

Purpose: For sustainable strategies to be developed in business schools, it is essential to understand which sustainability drivers and barriers are identified by academic managers and coordinators in the implementation of sustainable practices. In this scenario, the study aims to understand the barriers and possible drivers for the implementation…

Purpose: Considering the vital role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in accomplishing sustainable development goals, this study aims to examine how and when sustainable leadership (SL) influences sustainable performance by examining social innovation (SI) as a mediating mechanism and managerial discretion (MD) as a boundary condition based…

Purpose: This study aims to describe the process leading the climate emergency declaration (CED) at the University of Salamanca. In contrast to similar initiatives, this was achieved with the participation of students on the social movement Fridays For Future Salamanca. Design/methodology/approach: The context of the CED is described. Statements…

Purpose: Sustainable development is an issue of high relevance for all countries and universities play a fundamental role in promoting the participation of society members in achieving this objective. This study aims to conduct an open laboratory of social innovation (OPENLAB_SI) inside a university with society stakeholders, as a research and…

Purpose: Despite the centrality of leadership to the successful transformation of universities toward sustainability, the literature on the role and practices of sustainability leadership in higher education remains poorly developed. To address this gap, this study aims to develop a conceptual model of sustainability leadership in higher…

Purpose: This study aims to examine how higher education can mold pro-environmental actions among students with educational social-marketing leads; it probes into the direct influence of four value orientations toward pro-environmental beliefs, norms and behaviors. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative research sought deductive reasoning.…

Purpose: Current approaches to sustainability science and education focus on (assessing and addressing) the external world of ecosystems, wider socio-economic structures, technology and governance dynamics. A major shortcoming of such approaches is the neglect of inner dimensions and capacities (which constrains education for sustainability as an…

Purpose: Higher education institutions (HEI) play a critical role in developing student leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to mobilize societal changes that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for. To broaden this understanding, this study aimed to engage with student leaders of a grassroots, student-led…

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the development and piloting of a novel European framework for community engagement (CE) in higher education, which has been purposefully designed to progress the CE agenda in a European context. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed framework was co-created through the European Union (EU)-funded project…

Purpose: Transformative learning and leadership are key leverage points for supporting society's transition towards sustainability. The purpose of this study was to identify the outcomes of transformational learning within an international sustainability leadership master's program in Sweden. The study also prototypes a typology for transformative…

Purpose: Universities have an important role in articulation of the transformation of society, in the formation of individuals capable of acting in the processes that enable sustainable development goals (SDGs), in theoretical areas and in practical and concrete actions. Within the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Brazil, some practices are being…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the transformation disclosures in the publicly available annual reports of South African public universities and to establish the extent to which universities account to their stakeholders about how they have discharged their transformation obligations. Design/methodology/approach: This…

Purpose: This study aims to explore students' sustainability attitudes and behavioural intentions and their relation to energy use, to promote energy saving and decarbonisation in higher education settings. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used a validated energy literacy survey to assess undergraduate students' attitudes and behavioural…