Abstract:

The proposal is related to an empirical research promoted by the University of Turin, which seeks to answer the research question “what synergies exist between the academic missions of teaching, research and Third Mission?”. The exploratory sequential mixed design of research combines a qualitative study, conducting interviews with academic staff from each Department of the University of Turin, and a subsequent quantitative study, through a semi-structured questionnaire, administered to the faculty members of some Italian and international universities. In light of existing literature on the nature of the relationship between teaching and research and the potential – or effective – mutual influence, the proposal presents evidence from collected data concerning the direction and thematisation of Third Mission, whether led by research topics, teaching subjects, or external needs – by partners or recipients – perceived as more beneficial, which prompt faculty members to shift the focus. The proposal considers both textual data, extracted from interviews and subjected to content analysis using NVivo, and quantitative data, extracted from questionnaires, which measure the frequency of qualitative findings. Initial results indicate that respondents moved beyond the three-pillar representation of academic missions, on behalf of a virtuous circle. It suggests the possibility for Third Mission, if led by specific scientific interests, to inform research (data sharing, collaborations in research projects) and to innovate teaching with valuable measures, including through student participation in Third Mission initiatives. The proposal also describes a demand-led account of Third Mission, as stated by some respondents’ experience.

Keywords:

Third mission, higher education, faculty development.