Universities as catalysts for change: rethinking their role in society

Abstract

Universities worldwide are transforming, expanding beyond teaching and research to embrace a ‘third mission’ focused on societal impact. This commentary explores the integration of the third mission within South African universities, highlighting its importance in addressing local and global challenges. While well established in regions like Europe and the United States, adoption in South Africa remains inconsistent. Drawing on national policy documents and empirical studies, this piece explores how South African universities are incorporating societal engagement, innovation, and entrepreneurship into their core functions. It also highlights barriers to institutionalising the third mission, including funding constraints, inadequate incentives for researchers, and tension between traditional academic values and market-oriented approaches. Despite these challenges, South African universities can enhance their societal impact throughstronger collaboration with communities, government, and industry. This commentary calls for a more structured and strategic integration of the third mission to position universities as catalysts for socio-economic development.