The third mission of higher education institutions: conceptual framework and application in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This article summarizes the process of conceptualizing the third mission of higher education institutions. First, the relevant changes in the socio-economical context of higher education are enumerated and institutional responses are described. Next, the main trends in defining the third mission are delineated, and the ways in which the various concepts differ are outlined. A conceptual framework for the third mission is presented, and consists of three dimensions: enterprising, innovative, and social/civic. Considering the three dimensions as the basis for efforts to evaluate higher education institutions, indicators based on contemporary research are then assigned to the framework. Finally, based on the example of Czech higher education, the national approach to the third mission and practical possibilities of data collection within the generated conceptual framework in the Czech higher education are estimated.

Keywords:

• third mission
• higher education institutions
• third mission indicators
• Czech higher education

Notes

1. The terms ‘third mission’, ‘third role’ or ‘third stream’ are regularly used in Europe and Australia but rarely found in USA.

2. Opening universities and research institutes in Europe and USA in the twentieth century to partners from industry and business was enforced by the economic and social urgency during the Second World War and especially in the post-war years.

3. Available at OECD, Directorate for Education website. URL: http://www.oecd.org/document/10/0,3746,en_2649_33723_40898954_1_1_1_1,00.html

4. Available at the website of Center for social innovations. URL: http://socialinnovation.ca/about/social-innovation

5. Human development is defined by the UN as enlarging choices, creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives according to their needs and interests (UNDP website, accessed 2006). Economic development is an important means, but the general objective is more complex (Professor Sen on UNDP website, URL: http://hdr.undp.org/en/humandev/).

6. The American Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) has been collecting statistical data about patents, licence and transfers at American and Canadian universities since 1993. URL: http://www.autm.net/source/STATT/index.cfm?section=STATT

7. The concept of service learning connects the service with academic object matter and standards (Wilczenski and Coomey 2007). Currently it is a common part of American higher education, which is even legally established in 40% of USA states (Piscatelli 2007). HEIs which incorporated service learning (over 900 HEIs) into their curriculums are organized under the Campus Compact initiative.