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Multi-stakeholder networks in the higher education context: a configurative literature review of university-community interactions

Laura de Groot et al.

Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management2025https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080x.2025.2451445article
AJG 1ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Driven by the demand to address complex societal issues, stakeholders from higher education and society increasingly form multi-stakeholder networks. Despite their potential, realising such networks proves complex, often yielding elusive outcomes. To explore how multi-stakeholder networks navigate these complexities, this configurative literature review analyses 17 cases, revealing patterns in university-community interactions across network formation, implementation, and outcomes. Two primary modes emerged: the Centralised (or University-Centred) mode, characterised by university dominance, and the Polycentric (or Collaborative) mode, emphasising cooperative relationships. Existing on a continuum rather than as distinct categories, these modes provide a framework to interpret collaborative- and decision-making processes that occur within multi-stakeholder networks, shaping what is recognised as knowledge, and identifying who benefits most. This modal awareness enhances the potential of multi-stakeholder networks in higher education. Future research could explore the multiplicity of community perspectives. Our study serves as a stepping stone for advancing multi-stakeholder network theory and practice.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080x.2025.2451445

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@article{laura2025,
  title        = {{Multi-stakeholder networks in the higher education context: a configurative literature review of university-community interactions}},
  author       = {Laura de Groot et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management},
  year         = {2025},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080x.2025.2451445},
}

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Multi-stakeholder networks in the higher education context: a configurative literature review of university-community interactions

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.44 × 0.4 = 0.18
M · momentum0.65 × 0.15 = 0.10
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.