How universities create social value in communities

Author: Eric Sandelands, Director, Ingenium Training and Consulting

Universities are, of course, key players in delivering lifelong learning experiences in the communities they serve. With a strategic approach they can be so much more as engines of social value and community development.

I’ve spent many years of my working life engaged in large-scale, construction-led urban and rural development programmes in different parts of the world. Sometimes social value has been central to the mission and sometimes not. In my experience, where universities are a key stakeholder social impact is magnified.

There are many definitions of social value, but I love the broad one provided by Social Value International who define it as:

…the value that stakeholders experience through changes in their lives.    

In regeneration programmes, and in the development of new communities, I’ve experienced the invaluable role that local universities can play in generating wealth and opportunities and contributing to life’s rich fabric in terms of both quality of life and the related area of community building.

In reflecting on this topic, I found Xiuli Guo’s Times Higher Education article “Four ways universities can enhance their community impact” a useful thought piece. It’s an article I keep going back to. Her opening statement seemed a useful way to frame this blog:

Universities play a pivotal role within their local communities. Multiple studies have found a correlation between the presence of a university in a large town or city and socio-economic development in the local area. They are key drivers of social, technological, and economic innovation.    

Just the presence of a university campus in a community is impactful. They are usually relatively large employers. They attract both residential and day students who contribute to local businesses. They buy services that support the development of local supply chains.

If this feels a little passive, what might be the elements of a proactive strategy of community engagement and impact?

1. Clarity of vision and strategy:

• Universities need a clear vision and strategy for civic engagement. This involves shared values and senior strategic leadership.
• A well-defined strategy outlines how activities will make a difference, emphasising the inter-relationship between civic engagement and educational/research goals.
• Operational policies which contribute to positive community impact can be prioritised, such as social value procurement, Real Living Wage accreditation or equivalent commitment to decent wages for staff, sustainability and plans to positively impact the environment, and support for volunteering.

2. Understanding place and community needs:

• Universities must define their “local” context. It doesn’t necessarily mean the immediate area around the institution; it could be informed by administrative or political boundaries.
• Regular engagement points throughout the year help universities build a deeper understanding of their place and community needs.

3. The quadruple helix approach:

The quadruple helix approach is the only slightly jargonistic phrase I intend to use, but it is worth reflecting on as an impactful collaboration model that thinks deeply about the citizen and has been shown to work. In a local community context, it means:

• Collaborating with government, industry, education providers, and local communities creates a shared vision and language.
• Universities, as anchor institutions, combine research and education strengths with their role in the community, leading to transformative change.

4. Widening participation and outreach:

• Universities engage in educational outreach programmes, encouraging local students to pursue higher education.
• These efforts contribute to social mobility and empower individuals within the community.

5. Economic and technological innovation:

• Universities drive innovation by conducting research, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting local startups.
• Their presence correlates with socio-economic development in the area.

6. Community facilities and services:

• Universities open sports facilities, museums, and other resources to the public.
• These spaces become hubs for community activities and cultural enrichment.

7. Supporting local charities and volunteering:

• Universities actively engage with local charities, providing expertise and resources.
• Encouraging volunteering among students and staff strengthens community bonds.

Local universities contribute significantly to their communities through education, research, and strategic partnerships. Their impact extends beyond campus boundaries, creating a positive ripple effect for society at large. There are many positive examples to learn from, and many best practices we can identify and customise in developing communities. While lifelong learning is central to universities’ offer for local communities, there is so much more impact that can be achieved.

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References

• Social Value International, "The principles of social value", Principles of Social Value (socialvalueuk.org), viewed 9th September 2024.
• Xiuli Guo’s, "Four ways universities can enhance their community impact", Times Higher Education, January 19, 2024.

Footnote: Eric Sandelands' latest book, Delivering Social Value in Urban Development, a collected series of essays, is published through Kindle Direct Publishing and available on most Amazon portals.