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Drafting the Strategy for Sustainability in Universities: A Backcasting Approach

Author

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  • Roberta Sisto

    (Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

  • Edgardo Sica

    (Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

  • Giulio Mario Cappelletti

    (Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

Abstract

The contribution of universities to the sustainability challenge is nowadays crucial due to their role as centers of learning, innovation and research. However, universities can deal with sustainability matters in many different ways which should be accurately identified in their strategies. In this context, the present paper has tested the suitability of backcasting as a participatory approach to involve stakeholders in discussing the most effective actions to improve sustainability within universities’ strategic plan. The experiment—carried out at University of Foggia (UniFg-Italy)—has demonstrated the flexibility of the backcasting approach in identifying the actions required to reach the UniFg sustainability goals according to the 2030 Agenda, allowing the university governance bodies to reach a number of objectives in the design stage. Furthermore, backcasting enhanced the confidence of stakeholders involved with an overall improvement of their empowerment, enabling them to follow and keep track of the whole process of the university’s strategy definition.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta Sisto & Edgardo Sica & Giulio Mario Cappelletti, 2020. "Drafting the Strategy for Sustainability in Universities: A Backcasting Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:10:p:4288-:d:362240
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Primiano Di Nauta & Enrica Iannuzzi & Michele Milone & Claudio Nigro, 2020. "The Impact of the Sustainability Principles on the Strategic Planning and Reporting of Universities. An Exploratory Study on a Qualified Italian Sample," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Martina Blašková & Dominika Tumová & Rudolf Blaško & Justyna Majchrzak-Lepczyk, 2021. "Spirals of Sustainable Academic Motivation, Creativity, and Trust of Higher Education Staff," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-25, June.
    3. Ivan Paunović & Cathleen Müller & Klaus Deimel, 2022. "Building a Culture of Entrepreneurial Initiative in Rural Regions Based on Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of University of Applied Sciences–Municipality Innovation Partnership," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-19, September.
    4. Gladys Merma-Molina & Mayra Urrea-Solano & Salvador Baena-Morales & Diego Gavilán-Martín, 2022. "The Satisfactions, Contributions, and Opportunities of Women Academics in the Framework of Sustainable Leadership: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-23, July.
    5. Luis Alberto Mejía-Manzano & Patricia Vázquez-Villegas & Anthony Smith & Alfredo Soeiro & Anikó Kálmán & Tamer Atabarut & Nicolás Otaduy-Rivera & Jorge Membrillo-Hernández & Patricia Caratozzolo, 2023. "An Exploratory Study Examining the Key Aspects and Actions for Universities to Achieve High Sustainability Rankings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, February.

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