How Responsive Are Higher Education Institutions Towards Sustainability?: Do Their Ranks Represent Reality?

Abstract

Higher education institutions are crucial for a sustainable future at the global, national and local agents of teaching, research and innovations. Therefore, their role for the achievement of SDGs cannot be disregarded. This study examines how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are integrated into the strategic frameworks of the top 200 universities in THE ranking. The thematic analysis, based on Times Higher Education (THE) and Shanghai rankings, shows that universities' commitment to the SDGs has changed. Particularly, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) are often highlighted, while some SDGs, such as SDG 14 (Life Below Water), are given less attention. Although university ranking systems incentivize efforts towards the SDGs, they run the risk of focusing solely on ranking metrics. The study provides important information for the development of sustainability policies of higher education institutions.