Future of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The growing importance of “corporate social responsibility (CSR) and higher education institutions (HEIs)” worldwide to re-evaluate their social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities. This study systematically reviews the accessible literature on CSR and current practices within higher education organisations to identify key themes, trends, challenges, and future directions. Based on articles, reports, and case studies published over the past two decades, this review provides research on multiple dimensions: governance, environmental management, community engagement, ethical leadership, and curriculum integration. The findings indicate that universities view CSR and sustainability not merely as compliance responsibilities but as strategic imperatives that contribute to institutional reputation, student engagement, and social development. However, gaps in implementation frameworks, stakeholder coalitions, and performance measurement persist, especially in developing regions. This paper proposes a conceptual model and a future research agenda to strengthen the integration of CSR and sustainability should be made the core mission of higher education institutions and integrated into their operations and teaching practices.