Critical Factors Influencing Sustainable and Impactful University-Community Engagement: A Systematic Review of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Initiatives
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| Title: | Critical Factors Influencing Sustainable and Impactful University-Community Engagement: A Systematic Review of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Andi Sri Wahyuni, György Málovics, Judit Gébert |
| Source: | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 2026 27(6):1329-1346. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | School Community Relationship, Universities, Sustainability, Influences, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-02-2024-0089 |
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to investigate top-down and bottom-up university-community engagement (UCE) programs to identify the critical factors influencing sustainable and impactful UCE. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing UCE implementation reports published in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Final studies (n = 47) were selected from an initial pool of 3,428 extracted studies. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize key findings. Findings: The study highlights that, regardless of whether UCE programs are a top-down or bottom-up approach, their success in achieving sustainability and impact depends on effective implementation. Certain factors -- such as adequate support systems, program flexibility, power balance and relevance -- contribute to UCE success in both contexts. Additionally, specific factors, including awareness and diligence in fulfilling mandated responsibilities, as well as strong motivation and long-term commitment, are uniquely relevant to either top-down or bottom-up approaches. Originality/value: This study provides new insights into how UCE operates within different approaches and offers strategic recommendations for fostering sustainable and impactful UCE implementation. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1508046 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to investigate top-down and bottom-up university-community engagement (UCE) programs to identify the critical factors influencing sustainable and impactful UCE. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing UCE implementation reports published in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Final studies (n = 47) were selected from an initial pool of 3,428 extracted studies. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize key findings. Findings: The study highlights that, regardless of whether UCE programs are a top-down or bottom-up approach, their success in achieving sustainability and impact depends on effective implementation. Certain factors -- such as adequate support systems, program flexibility, power balance and relevance -- contribute to UCE success in both contexts. Additionally, specific factors, including awareness and diligence in fulfilling mandated responsibilities, as well as strong motivation and long-term commitment, are uniquely relevant to either top-down or bottom-up approaches. Originality/value: This study provides new insights into how UCE operates within different approaches and offers strategic recommendations for fostering sustainable and impactful UCE implementation. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-02-2024-0089 |
