Exploring Synergies Among European Universities, Government, Industry, and Civil Society on Promotion of Green Policies and Just Transition Facets: Empirical Evidence from Six European Countries

Abstract

This cross-country study examines how higher education institutions collaborate with government, industry, and civil society to promote the European Green Deal and Just Tran sition initiatives. Framed within the quadruple helix (QH) model, the research investigates emerging partnerships and the integration of green policies across six European countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Serbia, and Spain. Special emphasis is placed on the strategic role of universities in advancing the environmental, social, and economic dimen sions of sustainability through their initiatives. Drawing on 30 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including local public officials, academics, entrepreneurs, students, and unemployed youth, the study uncovers a growing alignment between academic ini tiatives and national sustainability agendas. While the extent of policy integration and collaboration varies, the findings underscore the importance of universities in shaping envi ronmental awareness, fostering green innovation, and advancing multi-actor partnerships. The study contributes to the theoretical discourse on the QH model by applying it to the field of green transition policy and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the role of universities in sustainability-oriented governance and education