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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULA: A LATVIAN CASE STUDY
Abstract
Integrating sustainable development and circular economy principles into higher education curricula is critical for preparing future professionals to address complex global challenges. This study examines both the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence supporting the inclusion of these themes in academic programs in Latvia, emphasizing their role in fostering the competencies required for sustainable transformation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative content analysis of curricula from five Latvian universities with a quantitative survey of students at the bachelor-s, master-s, and doctoral levels. The findings reveal that while sustainability is present in course content, key areas such as green public procurement remain significantly underrepresented. Drawing on comparative insights from other European countries, the study identifies emerging trends in entrepreneurship education, particularly those aligned with circular economy principles. Despite the strategic importance of universities in advancing the European Green Deal, many institutions face persistent barriers, including limited resources, insufficient policy support, and weak knowledge transfer to the business sector. The study underscores the need for a more structured and strategic approach to embedding sustainability in higher education - one that is supported by institutional commitment, faculty development, and coherent policy frameworks. These insights contribute to the broader European discourse on the transformative role of universities in achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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References25
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Acosta Castellanos, P.M., et al., Inclusion of education for sustainable development in environmental engineering, Sustainability, 13(18), 2021, DOI: 10.3390/su131810180
Hahn, R., Wenke, M., Integrating Sustainability into Curriculum Design, World Sustainability Series, 2025, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-80434-2_37
Del Vecchio, Pasquale & Secundo, Giustina & Mele, Gioconda & Passiante, Giuseppina. (2021). Sustainable entrepreneurship education for circular economy: emerging perspectives in Europe. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research. ahead-of-print. DOI: 10.1108/IJEBR-03-2021-0210.
Rajabifard, A., et al., Applying SDGs as a Systematic Approach for Incorporating Sustainability in Higher Education, IJSHE, 22(6), 2021, DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-10-2020-0418
Leal Filho, W., et al., Exploring the Imperative of Education and Learning for Sustainable Development, IJSHE, 2024 (in press), DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-11-2023-0543
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