Sustainable Development Goals in University Strategies: Making Sense of Sustainable Development in the Context of a Finnish University

Abstract

Universities across the world adopt sustainable development goals (SDGs) as part of their strategies for achieving sustainability throughout their various departments or subjects. However, each department may understand sustainability and, as a result, the SDGs differently. These differences may consequently impact how the Goals are operationalised and implemented in practice. This qualitative study aims to review and analyse how sustainable development and SDGs are understood and implemented based on the university strategy in the context of Åbo Akademi University, Finland. Specifically, by interviewing the teaching and research staff, the research investigates how the staff of the university make sense of sustainable development and SDGs, as well as whether their understanding aligns with the overall strategy of the university. The findings highlight issues that higher education institutions may need to address in the communication and popularisation of sustainable development.