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The Role and Contribution of Sustainable Development Goals as a Transformative Framework in Higher Education: A Case Study of the University of Split

Author

Listed:
  • Vlatka Škokić

    (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Petra Jelić

    (Rector’s Office, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Igor Jerković

    (Rector’s Office, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

Abstract

This study examines the role and contribution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a transformative framework in higher education (HE), focusing on the University of Split (UOS), Croatia. By applying a qualitative longitudinal methodology, it examines how UOS has engaged with the SDG agenda while overcoming the challenges of institutional disintegration, resource scarcity, and cultural change. Data from strategy documents, action plans, and interviews with university leaders reveal a significant evolution in UOS’s strategic alignment with the SDGs, from initial compliance to a more integrated and systemic approach. This study applies Steele and Rickards’ framework of institutional engagement and innovation culture and positions the UOS journey as a pathway to a transformative scenario. The findings highlight key drivers such as strategic planning and policymaking, as well as barriers such as fragmented governance and cultural resistance that shape the UOS journey. This research contributes to the understanding of SDG implementation at universities in former transition countries and provides insights into the use of the SDG framework to drive systemic change in higher education.

Suggested Citation

  • Vlatka Škokić & Petra Jelić & Igor Jerković, 2025. "The Role and Contribution of Sustainable Development Goals as a Transformative Framework in Higher Education: A Case Study of the University of Split," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:22-:d:1582063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Pilar Aramburuzabala & Rosario Cerrillo, 2023. "Service-Learning as an Approach to Educating for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Nikša Alfirević & Igor Jerković & Petra Jelić & Damir Piplica & Darko Rendulić, 2024. "Sustainability Reporting and International Rankings in Higher Education: A Case of the University of Split, Croatia," World, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-12, February.
    4. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
    5. Marian Buil-Fabregá & Matilde Martínez Casanovas & Noemí Ruiz-Munzón & Walter Leal Filho, 2019. "Flipped Classroom as an Active Learning Methodology in Sustainable Development Curricula," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-15, August.
    6. Lena Malesevic Perovic & Maja Mihaljevic Kosor, 2020. "The Efficiency of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 22(54), pages 516-516, April.
    7. Marie Weiss & Matthias Barth & Arnim Wiek & Henrik von Wehrden, 2021. "Drivers and Barriers of Implementing Sustainability Curricula in Higher Education - Assumptions and Evidence," Higher Education Studies, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(2), pages 1-42, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dzintra Atstāja, 2025. "Leveraging Sustainable Development Goals to Transform Higher Education and Advance Sustainability Science," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-30, August.
    2. Judit García‐Martín & Lucila María Pérez Fernández, 2026. "A Review of Global Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Higher Education (2020–2024): Key Actions in the Education for Sustainable Development Framework," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S2), pages 843-856, March.

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