Societal innovation and public universities: strategizing pathways to societal impact

This article advances societal innovation research by demystifying how public universities transition into dynamic engines of large-scale impact. Through a systematic cross-case comparison of four global vanguard institutions, this study bridges theory and institutional design. First, this study proposes a 'pathways-to-impact' nested ecosystem framework, mapping how public value is co-created across the macro, meso and micro levels. Second, the findings synthesise 'diverse excellence' by uncovering an empirical duality: while universities adopt unique, context-specific archetypes for regional challenges, they universally rely on identical foundational mechanisms to achieve scale. Finally, this research offers an actionable strategic blueprint. To maximise societal impact, universities must embed societal innovation into their core charters, establish boundary platforms to orchestrate ecosystems as 'lead facilitators', and measure success through synthesised quantitative and narrative evidence. Ultimately, this article equips public universities to reclaim their foundational mandate and co-create systemic solutions to grand societal challenges.