Integrating Sustainability in Business Education: A Case study of Bournemouth University through the Extended Triple Helix Model.

Abstract

This chapter explores the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the curricula of UK business schools, with a particular focus on the role of the Triple Helix Model (THM) in enhancing this process. Using Bournemouth University Business School (BUBS) as a case study, the chapter illustrates how these triple helices interactions create an enabling environment for ESD. The case study suggests that multi-sector partnerships acted as instruments for aligning academic content with real-world sustainability issues at BU. The case study highlights that the collaborations with local businesses and government bodies enriched the student learning experience and supported broader goals of regional sustainable innovation. These engagements allow students to participate in applied projects that address contemporary environmental and social challenges, thereby linking theoretical learning to practice. The chapter demonstrates that a robust and flexible application of the THM that extends beyond traditional institutional boundaries is essential for embedding sustainability effectively within business education, and further echoes the importance of fostering long-term, cross-sector collaborations which support the co-creation of knowledge and facilitate mutual learning. An integrated approach is recommended, prioritising collaborative partnerships, curriculum innovation, and longitudinal research. For future research, the chapter suggests that the role of helices is crucial for improving education for sustainability among students and faculty, and there is a need to measure the long-term institutional impact of THM in sustainability education. In doing so, UK business schools can position themselves as key actors in the transition toward a more sustainable economy and society