Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

Do third mission projects help to develop social entrepreneurship?

Absolutely. Let me give you some more examples within the framework of applied project-based learning. One notable instance is the Russian national competition for NGOs titled “Tell the World,” organized by NRU HSE in collaboration with the Agency for Social Investments and Innovations.[36]

In this competition, NGOs and social enterprises serve as clients for student projects focused on developing marketing and communication strategies, product promotion strategies for social enterprises, market analysis, and the creation of brand guidelines to improve recognition for those organizations. A compelling catalog has been prepared to showcase the outcomes of these student projects.[37]

Over the course of three years, more than one hundred projects have been selected through this competition. They encompass a wide range of intriguing initiatives, from the implementation of augmented reality technology for a city museum in Sverdlovsk Region to devising marketing strategies for the promotion of products made by social enterprises that employ individuals with disabilities.

Social entrepreneurship can also be fostered through the format of creative or tourist clusters, which I mentioned earlier.

Can businesses partner with universities in fulfilling their third mission?

I would like to compare the concept of a university’s third mission with that of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business.

CSR projects play a significant role in addressing socially relevant issues in cities and regions, while also aligning with the sustainability and development priorities of the business itself. For example, engaging with the communities where businesses are located can help mitigate potential risks. If city residents trust a company, they are more likely to view any issues that may arise at the company with understanding and support.

Creating an enabling urban environment, including aspects related to environment, social initiatives, and cultural development, is undeniably crucial for attracting and retaining talent. In this regard, companies involved in CSR initiatives could serve as valuable partners for universities in realizing their third mission. This partnership could encompass initiating student projects, supporting the university’s role as a think tank, and collaborating on activities with NGOs and social entrepreneurs.

And what are the opportunities the third mission offers to the university staff?

Within universities, there are structural units that seek external funding opportunities. By implementing various third mission projects, these units can establish their reputation among potential clients for conducting various activities such as research, analytics, and more. Eventually they can start providing services for commercial projects commissioned by companies or government bodies at the regional and city levels.

The Ural Federal University (UrFU) has an interesting example to share. In 2022, it launched a grant competition for university employees. The contests was funded with the university’s own funds, and its aim was to assist NGOs in developing projects eligible for funding through grant competitions offered by the Presidential Grants Fund and the Presidential Cultural Initiatives Contest.[38] The university can act as a partner with NGOs in implementing the winning projects.

The NGOs can also be interested in partnering with a university, including its role as a source of professional development for their employees. For instance, NGO leaders and specialists may choose to work with students in the capacity of lecturers or research associates at a university, often on a part-time basis.

The NGOs can also be interested in partnering with a university, including its role as a source of professional development for their employees – to work with students in the capacity of lecturers or research associates at a university.

Lastly, it is essential to emphasize that universities hold a reputable position in validating and affirming the credibility of the NGO performance and the methodologies they employ. When an organization can substantiate its social impacts with research findings, it adds a layer of authenticity to its work. Universities are well-suited to provide such validation, making partnerships with universities an important and promising avenue in this regard.