The university as an impact ecosystem

How can universities create meaningful and lasting societal, economic and policy impact? Join the hybrid seminar “The university as an impact ecosystem” on 8 October 2026, organised in collaboration with SUNRISE and Samhällskontraktet.

Universities are increasingly expected to generate societal, economic and policy impact. But impact cannot simply be commanded or produced. So what can universities actually influence?

During the seminar, Ylva Wretås, Senior Consultant in Research and Analysis, will present findings from a literature review on the institutional conditions that enable sustained university impact.

The presentation introduces the concept of the university as an impact ecosystem and explores how academic agency, education, research, governance, sectoral differences and measurement interact in shaping universities’ capacity to create impact over time.

The seminar will also include a workshop addressing questions such as:

• How does your university monitor and follow up on impact?
• What kinds of impact are rewarded at your university, and what kinds remain invisible?
• What institutional conditions need to be redesigned to strengthen a university’s impact?

Practical information

More information: https://mdu.ungapped.io/Events/319a904c-8540-4566-8718-de7416de921b

Date: 8 October 2026
Time: 10:15–12:00 CEST
Format: Hybrid
On-site: A3-032, Mälardalen University, Hamngatan 15, Eskilstuna, Sweden
Online: Zoom

Join the seminar online via Zoom:
https://mdu-se.zoom.us/j/68612286951

The seminar is held in collaboration with SUNRISE and Samhällskontraktet (The Social Contract).