The relationship between the third mission and university ranking: exploring the outreach of the top ranked universities in BRICS countries

Abstract

This study aims to understand the relationship between the third mission of the university and university ranking. In particular it explores the outreach of the top ranked universities in BRICS nations. Relevant literature review helps the research to understand the third mission of the university and how it relates to university ranking. Following the study maps out the top ranked universities in BRICS nations in four ranking systems such as QS, Times, ARWU and MosIUR. It further reviews the mission and vision (as mentioned in their websites) of the top ranked universities from BRICS nations to understand the strategies of these universities to address the third mission. The findings of the study indicate that the top ranked BRICS universities indicate clear aspiration of their third mission. They reasonably capture their third mission with relevant strategies and outreach activities in their vision and mission statements. However, there are no clear indications about measuring the third mission strategies and activities of these institutions, which needs to be studied further in detail.