Integrating Sustainability in Indian Higher Education Institutions to Implement Agenda 2030: Analysis of Contributing Factors and Strategies

Abstract

As torch bearers for progressive change, higher education institutions (HEIs) need to focus on embedding sustainability into their core strategic objective, to align education towards sustainable development of society. This research aims at identifying strategies to integrate sustainability in the core of Indian management HEIs. A systematic literature review was done to identify factors that influence sustainability in university practices and curriculum. The factors were used to create a SWOT flashcard questionnaire, through which top 50 Indian management institutes based on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF 2021) were surveyed. IFE and EFE matrices were then formulated to identify appropriate alternative strategies. Analysis of IFE and EFE found that HEIs need aggressive strategies to align their internal capabilities and skill sets to the external environment opportunities available. QSPM matrix concluded that aggressive strategies are most effective for Integrating sustainability into the learning process of HEIs along with suggestions for future.