Knowledge Triangle Configurations at Three Swedish Universities

• The concept of a Knowledge Triangle, i.e. the principle of strengthening the linkages between research, education and innovation, has emerged as a result of policymakers’ expectations on universities to assume a broader societal responsibility. Yet, little is known about how these tasks and their interaction are orchestrated at universities. We explore how they are manifested in the organisation and strategy of three different Swedish universities, and how the policy landscape conditions these manifestations. The chapter highlights that although the knowledge triangle remains a priority, explicit national policies are lacking, with the responsibility of integration falling on universities themselves. We observe a great diversity in how knowledge principles are orchestrated at the universities, e.g. through individuals’ interpretations and attitudes, and through management strategies and incentive schemes. The three tasks have largely been handled separately, with weak coordination and generally limited ambitions from university managements to forge new combinations of remits. At the individual and group level, we observe weak task articulation, although some role models serve as inspiration. Tensions emerge as the responsibilities of operationalising the Knowledge Triangle falls on individuals who sometimes lack the appropriate mandate and resources. These findings raise questions for further research and implications for policy and university management. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Tvärvetenskapliga studier inom samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Knowledge Triangle

University management

Third mission

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)