Abstract

Higher education institutions’ (HEIs’) role in addressing and contributing to sustainable development by their knowledge transmission is considered to play an important role in transforming towards regenerative practices. The Third Mission of HEIs outlines this role of contribution. While Swiss HEIs have acknowledged this responsibility most organisations lack in addressing sustainability systemically.

This thesis explores the systemic area of a sustainable Third Mission of the Lucerne School of Art & Design (HSLU D&K). What enables HSLU D&K to address a sustainable Third Mission? Moreover, how can HSLU D&K engage people within their organisation to contribute to a sustainable Third Mission?

The research methods include a literature review, semi-structured interviews and conversations with relevant stakeholders, an observation of the HSLU D&K building, and attendance in area-relevant events. The patterns of potential for HSLU D&K to engage people within the organisation are 1) involving and committing students and employees, 2) building on existing communities of practice that already address sustainability, and 3) transmitting the organisational values to everyone. The Leverage Point of information flow within HSLU D&K was found to be the next step to addressing these identified patterns. The iterative process of developing the design management intervention aims to provide an idea for HSLU D&K to engage people for a sustainable Third Mission. The result is a conceptual prototype which supports knowledge exchange and community building.

The approach of the thesis allows for a more holistic design research on the systemic area.