From Symbolic to Systemic Sustainability in Higher Education: A Readiness-Gated Framework for Governance, Monitoring, and Institutional Change

PurposeThis paper addresses the gap between universities’ sustainability commitments and their limited systemic implementation. It proposes the Sustainability Integration Framework (SIF), a mechanism-based, readiness-gated model for moving from symbolic adoption to institutionalized practice. By linking governance, curriculum, operations, environmental performance, and data-enabled monitoring, SIF positions higher education sustainability within the education–environment–technology nexus.Design/methodology/approachUsing Design Science Research, the study synthesizes Institutional Theory, Resource-Based Theory, and Responsible Leadership to develop a causal pathway for sustainability integration. The model is operationalized through a six-component institutional architecture, an Input–Process–Output model, auditable indicators, and a multi-domain Readiness & Maturity Index (RMI).FindingsSIF delineates a sequenced change mechanism—Trigger → Interpretation → Reconfiguration → Institutionalization → Embedding → Legitimacy feedback—supported by PDCA-gated progression. Institutional Equity and Data/AI Governance emerge as cross-cutting levers for fair, evidence-based transformation, connecting sustainability commitments to indicators such as energy use, emissions, water, waste, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and digital reporting. A dual-rater protocol, reliability thresholds, and an External Composite Readiness Index support comparability across institutions.LimitationsThis study develops conceptual and methodological tools, including the RMI and IPO model, but their reliability, sensitivity, and construct validity require multi-site validation. The RMI is illustrated through a single-institution application; broader reliability and generalizability remain future research priorities.OriginalityThe paper contributes an integrated IT–RL–RBT mechanism for explaining movement from symbolic to systemic sustainability practice and introduces an evidence-gated maturity model aligned with leading global standards.