Mutual learning for sustainability: Relationships between the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) and Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Barcelona from a systems perspective

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) and RCE‐Barcelona in the context of two organisations with a strategic aim to further Education for Sustainable Development. A special emphasis is put in the role that UPC has had in the creation and development of this project, understood as a regional, multisectorial network that aims to reinforce the Universities' own commitment and leadership in ESD.

Two main methodological approaches are used. The evolution of RCE strategic projects in its two years of existence is analysed through the FLA systems approach, while the demand on ESD (and particularly that of the Education and Sustainability Magazine) in the region is explored through an electronic questionnaire sent to 1,000 people.

The study shows that the strategy of RCE Barcelona has evolved from a focus on diversity of participation to concrete activities based on common objectives with the communication of outputs rather than structures as being more practical and effective. The production of a magazine with input from actors from different levels of education and diverse sectors (based around key sustainability themes) is proving to be a useful resource for educators. Shared governance of the network and a more balanced share of resources and responsibilities amongst members remain a challenge, and as with other RCEs there is still limited evidence of the added value of being part of the global network of RCEs.

This study uses a systems based analytical methodology which is adaptable to the context of any sustainability initiative within higher education. The initiation of a thematic‐based sustainability magazine targeted at educators of formal and non formal education is considered as an innovative initiative.