Transition as a new participatory approach for achieving the sustainability of the university system

Sustainability transitions (ST) have been recognized as promising frameworks for innovation in structures, cultures and practices towards sustainability. Applied in the university domain, ST could stimulate a successful transformation in higher education institutions for adopting sustainability. In order to demonstrate the potential of the ST approach, this paper describes the adoption of one of Transitions instruments in the university domain. The Transition Management process for the entire system of university has been investigated. In the framework of ST, the importance of implementing transition experiments has emerged. Accordingly, the paper presents transition experiments in the University of Bologna, where both the educational and the organizational roles are investigated. The experiment has been conducted at the School of Engineering and Architecture in Bologna and Transition Management provides a valid opportunity both for successful initiation and long-term maintenance of university sustainability programs. As a result, a living laboratory of sustainability has been created. The living-lab not only promotes the implementation of sustainability best practices within the campus, but also enhances the engagement of staff and students in the creation of the sustainability process. Therefore Transition Management is a valid instrument to emphasize the essential role that the university plays in the improvement of sustainability culture. In conclusion, the paper encourages the adoption of ST within the university system as an engine of innovation for research, design and showcasing for sustainability.