The RHESD framework: Typology for sustainability research and higher education

Research and higher education play a vital role in addressing today’s sustainability challenges. However, different types of research and higher education contribute differently to societal sustainability transformations. This article proposes the RHESD framework distinguishing four types of each research and higher education for sustainability according to key characteristics that lead to different degrees of sustainability oriented societal impact. We aim to contribute to the development of precise notions of sustainability research and higher education to orient them more systematically towards societal sustainability challenges and support the development of targeted science policies.