The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Knowledge Exchange for Sustainability: The Case for University–Business Collaborations

Knowledge exchange in higher education is an emerging area delivered in multiple ways, including university–business collaboration, combining academic knowledge and business needs. Knowledge exchange can act as a vehicle for embedding sustainability in the curriculum and help address significant challenges we face as a society. Student knowledge exchange is driven by students who work on real-world projects, often with businesses involved. There is a need to assess the impact of knowledge exchange on students to inform curriculum design and development for a better student experience and outcomes. This research aimed to better understand the impact of university–business collaboration on student knowledge exchange for sustainability by adopting project-based learning pedagogy. The study draws lessons from the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment and Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University. The study found that project-based learning significantly impacts students' sustainability knowledge and competencies. Besides knowledge and competencies, students who work with businesses also gain sustainability skills, attitudes, and behaviours. The design and implementation of project-based learning affect the outcomes, including activities integrated into the curriculum versus extracurricular activities, bespoke versus ad hoc student projects and the duration of students' exposure to sustainability-related topics. This study contributes to higher education teaching and learning and impacts students' capacity building, affective domain and career readiness. Project-based learning can enhance student knowledge exchange for sustainability, particularly when collaborating with businesses, impacting students and businesses.