Sustainable education (SDG4) has the power and the potential to enable the achievement of all other UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By shaping knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and ethics of future leaders, higher education has a crucial role (and responsibility) in driving the future impact on the economy, society and the environment. In order to provide contribution to societal and environmental challenges, the educational approach needs to embrace: applied research, problem-based approach, integrative and systems thinking, interdisciplinary structure, multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborative learning. Innovation and transformation of higher education on multiple levels (program, university, national educational system) are necessary to ensure that it can take up a transformative role.
Using multiple case study method, participative research and multiple data collection methods, over an extended period of time, two innovative educational practices, taking place at different levels of the educational system in the Netherlands, are presented, analysed, compared and discussed.
Using adaptive systems theory and analytical framework based on it, as well as the principles of innovative and sustainable education, paper provides the analysis of motives, processes, barriers and impacts of two educational innovations. Even though both innovations breath the very principles of sustainable education the lack of support and vision from leaders and decision makers are observed as important barriers.
Paper sheds light on how transformation towards sustainability occurs and contributes to the analytical framework for assessing and guiding educational innovations towards sustainability. By sharing the learnings, paper also aspires to inform and inspire similar practices.

Authors:
Biljana Pesalj, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Biljana Pesalj is an Associate Professor at the Rotterdam Business School. Dr. Pesalj is currently devoted to the advancements in higher education for sustainability: living labs, new master profile and programme in Sustainability Transitions.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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