I.10. Third Mission and Democracy

The Third Mission of Universities represents a form of social commitment that contributes to the strengthening of democracy. Also in Italy, it is the subject of scientific analysis, and empirical research (Boffo et al, 2024; Palumbo and Scardigno, 2024, Reale, 2025); not only due to the inclusion of the TM in in the periodic evaluation exercises of ANVUR, but also because of the growing awareness among Universities of the importance of their contribution to the social, economic, and cultural development of the territories in which they operate. This has also led to the gradual expansion of the themes and fields of action related to TM, highlighting the importance of initiatives aimed at social engagement and the strengthening of democracy.
The papers can afford:

a)     Theoretical framework: should we talk about the Third Mission, or should we talk about the impact of University activities on society? How should the issue of Universities as agents of change and social innovation be addressed?

b)     Methodological: how to analyze the impacts? How to translate the conceptual framework proposed by ANVUR into practical, shared, and useful methodological pathways to enhance Universities' awareness of their social commitment?

c)     Evaluative: how to maximize the use of evaluation for improving University activities, how to reflect on critical, positive, or negative cases in light of different theoretical approaches?

We expect papers with both theoretical and methodological perspectives, case studies, and analyses of good practices that can help Universities develop their role in strengthening democracy in their local areas.