Measuring the impact of university-led social innovation: Sustainable Development Goal focused social impact within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Richard Hazenberg, Claire Paterson-Young and Michael Maher

Chapter 20 in The Elgar Companion to Social Innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals, 2026, pp 418-439 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) agenda, alongside the growing importance of social innovation across the public/third sectors, means that understanding of best practice approaches to social impact measurement (SIM) is required and is particularly relevant for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for research impact and reputational reasons. However, we see limited engagement of HEIs with social innovation and SIM. This chapter explores the enablers and barriers to SDG-focused SIM, utilizing a case study whereby the university has committed to both annual Times Higher Education Impact submissions and social impact reporting. Utilizing data gathered through these, alongside reflections from key stakeholders leading these projects, this chapter reveals the benefits that SIM measurement/reporting can have on universities’ strategic/operational performance, global recognition, and their ability to deliver impact in their local/global communities. The results are discussed in relation to the global SDG agenda and universities’ role in driving sustainable development.

Keywords: Social Innovation; Higher Education; Universities; Social Impact; Rankings; Sustainable Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035326037
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