University's third (social) mission
Universities around the world are increasingly seeking to move beyond their long-standing “ivory tower,” where they have remained in a zone of relative comfort for decades. Today, the university occupies an ambiguous position in society: uncertain of its role, it oscillates between the model of the entrepreneurial university and that of a medieval academy. Across different regions of the world, there is a growing aspiration to develop more socially oriented universities, with a strong emphasis on regional engagement driven by students. This approach integrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility.
A socially responsible university is one that is capable of voluntarily integrating social and environmental concerns into its core educational and research activities, as well as into its relationships with stakeholders and interest groups.
The topic of the university’s “third mission” has long been on the academic agenda and remains a central focus of higher education research. Many contemporary universities no longer limit themselves to education and research—traditionally regarded as their two primary missions—but are increasingly becoming large intellectual corporations that recognize and assume responsibility for their contribution to territorial development in a broad sense: social, economic, technological, and innovative.
Our Laboratory prepared a report on the third mission of HSE University in 2021. At RepLab, we have taken this agenda seriously and have developed a dedicated line of research and projects related to the university’s third mission. We believe that a sustainable university is one that actively considers both its internal and external stakeholders, caring for the present and future of the society in which it is embedded.
This concept extends beyond environmental sustainability to include social responsibility, encompassing the development of inclusive educational practices, the promotion of social mobility, and active engagement in regional life. Our Laboratory is actively involved in projects that facilitate the integration of the university into the community through multiple channels—from academic research to direct collaboration with public, non-profit, and commercial organizations.
Examples of such work include urban development projects in which HSE students and faculty apply their knowledge and skills to address concrete urban challenges. These initiatives not only enhance the university’s reputation as a socially responsible and innovative institution, but also provide students with practical experience that contributes to their future professional development.
In addition, we support and develop knowledge-exchange programs with local educational institutions, businesses, and NGOs, enabling the university to remain at the center of educational innovation and social transformation. Such programs strengthen relationships with stakeholders while contributing to the region’s economic and social development.
In the long term, collaboration with diverse stakeholders and active participation in addressing social challenges make the university more attractive to prospective students and researchers, while increasing its competitiveness and influence in both academic and societal contexts.
Our Book launched in Russian in September 2025
Service Learning and the Social Mission of the University
Articles on Social /Third) University Mission:
Articles in various journals:
https://universityreputation.es/el-vinculo-entre-reputacion-y-tercera-mision/
https://herb.hse.ru/data/2021/06/21/1426826886/1HERB_28_print.pdf#page=14
Methodological guide on the work of volunteers:
Methodological guide on the work of volunteers.
Conferences related to social mission:
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