Do socially responsible higher education institutions contribute to sustainable regional growth and innovation?

Purpose This study aims to analyse the efficiency of public higher education institutions (HEIs) through teaching and learning (T&L), research technology (R&T) social responsibility (SR) activities. It also assess external factors influencing T&L, R&T SR, influence this on sustainable regional economic growth innovation intensity. Design/methodology/approach The empirical approach is based a two-step data envelopment analysis compare 23 Portuguese HEIs, using Tobit regression, affecting HEI which in turn affects sustainability innovation. Findings results lead following conclusions: HEIs with better SR are situated large urban centres; an insular location positively associated HEIs’ T&L efficiency; gross domestic product (GDP); influences R&D GDP. Practical implications offers domain growth. recommends that policies should concentrate developing activities meet needs region. emphasizes need invest recruitment qualified lecturers researchers, creation relevant PhD positions. for government actions consider most disadvantaged regions create infrastructure attract new companies people. Originality/value contributes existing literature by considering not only but SR. analyses influencers both development.