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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
FullText Text:
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  Data: Critical Factors Influencing Sustainable and Impactful University-Community Engagement: A Systematic Review of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Initiatives
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Andi+Sri+Wahyuni%22">Andi Sri Wahyuni</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22György+Málovics%22">György Málovics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Judit+Gébert%22">Judit Gébert</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Sustainability+in+Higher+Education%22"><i>International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 27(6):1329-1346.
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  Data: 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
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  Data: 18
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Information Analyses
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22School+Community+Relationship%22">School Community Relationship</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Universities%22">Universities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sustainability%22">Sustainability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Influences%22">Influences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Implementation%22">Program Implementation</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1108/IJSHE-02-2024-0089
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  Data: 1467-6370<br />1758-6739
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: 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.
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        Value: 10.1108/IJSHE-02-2024-0089
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      – Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: School Community Relationship
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      – SubjectFull: Universities
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      – SubjectFull: Sustainability
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      – SubjectFull: Influences
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      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
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      – SubjectFull: Program Implementation
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      – TitleFull: Critical Factors Influencing Sustainable and Impactful University-Community Engagement: A Systematic Review of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Initiatives
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            NameFull: György Málovics
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