Engineering

Chromatography

Public relations

Pedagogy

Economics

Curriculum

Business

Education for sustainable development

Environmental planning

Environmental education

Process management

Political science

Sustainable development

Sociology

Environmental science

Chemistry

Sample (material)

Economic growth

Engineering management

Engineering ethics

Higher education

Journal of Cleaner Production

Higher education institutions provide valuable inputs toward implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, it is unclear how this engagement is taking place across the world. This study addresses this problem, by reporting on a survey involving a sample of 209 experts from 65 developing, in transition, and developed countries, which sheds light on the involvement of the participants and the overall landscape of implementation of the SDGs in teaching and research. In both contexts, the results indicate the SDGs are recognised as an opportunity for increased collaboration within the university and between different universities. On the other hand, more attention should be paid to the need for revising teaching curricula and research programmes/projects so that they include the SDGs. Also, students do not seem to be proactive in requesting more teaching content and research opportunities related to the SDGs. The results support the recommendation of further actions higher education institutions need to undertake to assist in delivering the SDGs, including intensified networking efforts and engagement with local partners.

An overview of the engagement of higher education institutions in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals