The Transformation of Higher Education Institutions Towards Sustainability from a Systemic Perspective

Abstract

Education for sustainable development has risen in scope and importance during the past decades. Even though the word sustainability has become much of a buzzword, the concept of sustainability itself has not made it to mainstream academia. This chapter presents an analysis of the value systems that shape the course of and the discourse in higher education institutions (HEI). Why are HEIs reluctant to change in general and towards sustainable development in particular? What kind of change would need to occur and which factors drive the evolution of HEIs? These questions are discussed from a systemic point of view against the backdrop of systems theories such as Spiral Dynamics and Integral Theory. Four distinct levels of value systems are described. These value systems represent different evolutions of HEIs that all have their place within the evolution of societies in general. The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) are framed as an ideal means for bridging the gap between value system 2.0 and 3.0. Implications for transforming HEIs are discussed. This chapter will be useful to anyone interested in the systemic forces that shape the way how higher education institutions deal with the task of education for sustainable development.