The (im)possibility of coexistence of the entrepreneurial and civic dimensions of the third mission of the university from the students’ point of view

The third mission of universities is an increasingly relevant topic of study, often promoted through global educational policies and approached from a top-down perspective. This paper offers a bottom-up view by exploring student perceptions of the third mission, with a focus on its civic and entrepreneurial dimensions. The study is based on qualitative research involving twelve students from the University of Novi Sad, using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The section on students’ perceptions of the third mission forms the basis of the analysis. Several factors were identified as relevant to how students understand the university’s role in society. While existing research often treats the civic and entrepreneurial dimensions as separate, this study suggests their integration is both possible and valuable. Both dimensions emphasize engagement beyond the academic context. Social entrepreneurship, as noted by several participants, may serve as a way to humanize the third mission and reconcile its economic and social roles.