Towards Sustainability in Academic Air Mobility in The Digital Age
Borgenström, Peppi (2023)
2023
Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunta - Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2023-11-24
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202310319304
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202310319304
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between academic air mobility and the increasing recognition of its sustainability-related issues. Universities had set carbon neutrality goals to address the climate crisis. Despite the high knowledge within academia, it is paradoxical that this sector significantly contributed to emissions. Virtual conferences are a lower-emission alternative; however, academics have been concerned about the diminishing social aspects of conferences in a virtual environment.
The research employed a qualitative research method, thematic interview, to answer the research question: How is academic air mobility understood from the sustainability perspective in the digital age? The case study for this research was Tampere University, and the sample comprised seven researchers from various career stages and faculties.
The findings revealed that academics value international travelling in terms of career advancement. However, the significance of academic travelling decreases alongside seniority. The study emphasized the need for universities to update travel guidance to promote land-bound options. Funding bodies’ outdated criteria for international collaboration were identified as one driver of unnecessary academic air mobility. Despite the rise of virtual communication channels due to COVID-19, face-to-face conferences remain highly valued, especially for networking. However, virtual conferences were acknowledged for their accessibility and cost-effectiveness, contributing to greater inclusivity in academia.
The research employed a qualitative research method, thematic interview, to answer the research question: How is academic air mobility understood from the sustainability perspective in the digital age? The case study for this research was Tampere University, and the sample comprised seven researchers from various career stages and faculties.
The findings revealed that academics value international travelling in terms of career advancement. However, the significance of academic travelling decreases alongside seniority. The study emphasized the need for universities to update travel guidance to promote land-bound options. Funding bodies’ outdated criteria for international collaboration were identified as one driver of unnecessary academic air mobility. Despite the rise of virtual communication channels due to COVID-19, face-to-face conferences remain highly valued, especially for networking. However, virtual conferences were acknowledged for their accessibility and cost-effectiveness, contributing to greater inclusivity in academia.