Higher education institutions as change agents in society: perspectives on adaptation and impact

Higher education institutions (HEIs) can be considered both objects and subjects of societal change.They are impacted by transformations in society, including technological advancement, climate change, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, but they are also in a position to create a positive impact on society.This requires HEIs to adapt to changing external contexts, which has implications for how education and research activities are designed and implemented, and how organisational structures and practices are reconfigured to strengthen linkages between universities and society.How higher education adapts to multiple and often conflicting demands and how through adaptation, HEIs can become more active change agents in society were of central interest to the 2023 CHER (Consortium of Higher Education Researchers) Conference and this special issue.The seven contributions presented herein provide a contemporary account on adaptation and impact in European higher education drawing on diverse theoretical perspectives, empirical data, and geographical contexts.