Linking Enterprise and Sustainability: a briefing paper for the Cafe Forum, 3 March 2009

This paper looks briefly at the relationship between enterprise and sustainability and is based on research undertaken by CSF in 2009-10, including practice in five other HE institutions.

Introduction

How ‘enterprise’ and ‘sustainability’ are conceptualised by an institution is key to their coherent expression in policy and practice. Seen in relation, a ‘sustainable enterprise culture’ might be defined as:

A deep-rooted enterprise mindset valuing and balancing the sustainable development elements of economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social equity. (Wirtenberg, J. et al, 2008)

Currently, two major drivers for change and development in the HE sector which invoke both enterprise and sustainability are:

• the contribution of HE to economic development (DBIS, 2009)

• the expected role of HE in helping achieve a transition towards more sustainable and low carbon society against a background of climate change and related issues (HEFCE, 2010)

Before looking at the University’s interpretations and associated manifestations of ‘enterprise’ and ‘sustainability’, it is worth exploring and unpicking the concepts themselves. ‘Enterprise’ is deployed both in adjectival and noun forms, the former connoting a valuative stance, (as in ‘enterprising’). This leads to a certain ambiguousness in meaning and indeed, interchange between use of ‘enterprise’ as adjective and noun. This largely goes unqualified in the literature, which focuses on enterprise education, enterprise schemes, and enterprise skills with ensuing discussions that consider the best approach in terms of addressing these needs. In much of the literature, cultivating the ability to generate business and profit, be that as an entrepreneur or employee, are the focus