Exploring the Role of Higher Education in Advancing Sustainability in Society

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development by acting as connectors between knowledge production and societal needs. This study explores the role of HEIs in promoting sustainability in society by identifying key regional challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and examining how these institutions can contribute to addressing them. The research is based on a participatory workshop conducted in Latvia, involving fifty-six stakeholders from the public, private, and civil sectors. Data were collected through group discussions, questionnaire, and observational notes, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that sustainability challenges are interconnected and concentrated in three main areas: youth-related vulnerabilities (unemployment, mental health, and civic disengagement), inequalities in access to education and digital resources, and environmental issues such as carbon emissions and resource overconsumption. The results also indicate a gap between the perceived importance and practical feasibility of sustainability initiatives. HEIs are identified as key intermediary actors capable of facilitating collaboration, capacity-building, and innovation. The study highlights the need for integrated, multi-level approaches and strengthened partnerships to support sustainable regional development.