TAM Report / Tunisia - The third mission of universities

GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: The Third Mission of the University: Partnership for Social and Economic Development

Type of Event: Seminar and workshop

Modality: Presential

Location: Hotel Acropole, Tunis

Country: Tunisia

Dates: 9–10 July 2025

Participants: Approximately 150 participants attended the conference sessions on the first day, while 20–25 participants took part in the workshop activities. Participants included representatives of Tunisian universities, ministries, research institutions, civil society organisations, and experts involved in higher education reform and science–society engagement.

THEMES COVERED

• The third mission of universities and their transformative societal role
• Science–society relations and research for the public good
• Social inclusion, citizenship, and community engagement
• Institutional and national strategies for the third mission
• Participatory research, open science, and ethics
• Governance, digitalisation, and AI in relation to the third mission

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

• Examined European benchmarks and Tunisian practices related to science–society relations and social engagement.
• Identified key priority areas and constraints affecting the implementation of the third mission in Tunisia.
• Contributed to the formulation of initial strategic visions and actionable pathways for strengthening the third mission at institutional level.

OVERVIEW

The Technical Assistance Mission addressed the development of the Third Mission of universities in Tunisia, focusing on strengthening the role of higher education institutions in responding to societal needs and contributing to regional development. The event brought together policymakers, academic leaders, researchers, civil society actors and socio-economic stakeholders to discuss how universities can enhance their societal engagement beyond teaching and research. 

Through expert presentations, panel discussions and interactive exchanges, participants explored international experiences and analysed the Tunisian context. Particular attention was given to participatory research approaches, partnerships with civil society, and mechanisms for supporting student entrepreneurship and community engagement. The discussions highlighted the importance of institutionalising the Third Mission within university governance structures, integrating it into strategic planning and academic career evaluation systems, and ensuring adequate resources and recognition for engagement activities.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Report–Publication: “The Third Mission of Higher Education in Tunisia: Strengthening University–Society Engagement”

Dates: December 2025

Audience: Representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, universities and research institutions, civil society organisations, local authorities, and stakeholders involved in university–society engagement.

Description: The follow-up activity consisted of preparing a report-publication summarising the outcomes and recommendations of the TAM on the Third Mission of higher education in Tunisia.

The publication presents:

• The objectives and context of the TAM
• Key discussions and thematic sessions
• International experiences and good practices in societal engagement
• Analysis of the Tunisian context and institutional challenges
• Policy recommendations for strengthening the Third Mission

The report aims to support policymakers, universities and stakeholders in developing strategies, institutional frameworks and policies that strengthen the societal role of universities in Tunisia.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

• Integrate the Third Mission into university strategic plans and institutional policies.
• Develop legal and governance frameworks that support university societal engagement.
• Establish autonomous administrative and financial structures to sustain Third Mission initiatives.
• Strengthen participatory research and co-created curricula involving communities and local stakeholders.
• Develop monitoring tools and key performance indicators (KPIs)to assess societal impact.
• Improve the visibility and recognition of existing engagement initiatives.
• Encourage partnerships between universities, civil society, local authorities and socio-economic actors.

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

• Erasmus+ Tunisia – HERE Committee (n.d.). La troisième mission de l’université. Présentation dans le cadre des Technical Assistance Missions (TAM). Tunis: Bureau National Erasmus+ Tunisie. Available at: https://erasmusplus.tn/HERE/TAM-Third-Mission/PRESENTATIONS/TAM-3eme-Mission-de-luniversite.pdf
• Tengö, M., Brondizio, E. S., Elmqvist, T., Malmer, P. & Spierenburg, M. (2014). Connecting diverse knowledge systems for enhanced ecosystem governance: The multiple evidence base approach. Ambio: A Journal of the Human Environment, 43(5), pp. 579–591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-014-0501-3
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2020). Our shared future: For and with communities. UNESCO. Available at: https://unescochair-cbrsr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/OS_For_and_With_Communities_EN.pdf
• World Bank (2008). Civic engagement and development: Paper no. 1076. Available at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/327691468779445304/pdf/310420PAPER0So1ity0SDP0Civic0no1076.pdf
• UNESCO (2022). Knowledge-driven actions: Transforming higher education for global sustainability. UNESCO Global Education 2030 Agenda. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000380519