The teaching-research-practice nexus as framework for the implementation of sustainability in curricula in higher education

Abstract

In the frame of higher education, the Teaching-Research-Practice Nexus (TRPN) considers an equal linking of the subjects to achieve sustainability in applied teaching through a holistic framework, which generally refers to the “research-teaching-practice triangle” according to Kaplan (Account Horiz: 129–132, 1989). The methodology underlines the challenges associated with a Nexus approach: the topics to be linked, their linking mechanisms and the respective communication mechanisms. The present investigation results are based on a data collection through an international questionnaire at institutions of Higher Education. Although there are already courses on sustainability theories at several universities, there is still room for development in terms of the transfer of experiences from projects on sustainable development outside the academic sector gained over the last few years. Governmental agencies, NGO’s and the private sector started already implementing practical solutions for sustainable urban planning and development, whose results and experiences should be multiplied in academic teaching. This concerns, for instance, subjects like the ecological footprint, integrated resource management, circular economy and ecosystem services. This contribution discusses the options for the implementation of the TRPN in an international context, and opportunities for universities to become more sustainable by using a balanced proportion of teaching, research, and practice.