5: Product Development Project as a Sustainable Course for Academia and Society

The concept of sustainability has become widespread in societal discourse, yet practical implementation remains complex, particularly in higher education. While universities play a key role in fostering innovation, research, and societal development, there is a notable gap in documented practices for embedding sustainability in curricula. This chapter presents a case study at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), a leading interdisciplinary institution in Lithuania, highlighting its strategic initiative to integrate sustainability into undergraduate education through the Product Development Project course (12 ECTS). The course, targeting over 700 first-cycle students annually and involving around 60 mentors from various disciplines, exemplifies a large-scale interdisciplinary approach to education. Students collaborate with social partners, that is, businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and public institutions on real-world challenges, developing practical, innovative solutions aligned with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12). The outcomes often evolve into commercially viable prototypes or start-ups. The chapter discusses the methodological underpinnings of the course, its implementation phases, and the pedagogical shift towards challenge and project-based learning. It also reflects on operational and pedagogical challenges faced by the staff, including coordination, resource allocation, and student motivation. Students’ feedback reveals a growing appreciation for practical learning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and industry engagement, despite initial resistance to non-traditional learning methods.