Work

Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education Institutions: A Multi‐Actor Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emerged as a central framework for advancing sustainable development within Higher Education Institutions. While research on this engagement has grown substantially in recent years, most studies adopt fragmented perspectives, focusing on isolated actions or single dimensions rather than a systemic analysis of the coordinated roles of multiple actors. This has produced only a partial understanding of how commitment is actually produced and sustained. Adopting an integrative and problematizing approach, this article presents a multi‐actor exploratory analysis of the Spanish case. A qualitative exploratory analysis was conducted using extensive multi‐actor documentation (including 144 mandatory course syllabi). The analysis draws a portrait in which practices resembling SDG‐washing stand out, without clear substantive effort to specifically and comprehensively promote the SDGs in Institutions' core activities (e.g., curricula). Theoretical and practical implications for scholars and other stakeholders are discussed.

Source: Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.1002/sd.71843

Authors: Iñaki Heras‐Saizarbitoria, Miren Artaraz, Erlantz Allur

Institution: University of the Basque Country

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability in Higher Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250