Higher education and sustainability. The challenge of financing in Argentina

Abstract

Adequate financing for sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs) is crucial for advancing the implementation of policies that address social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. This paper analyzes the regulatory frameworks and financial practices of HEIs in Argentina, evaluating their impact on the institutions' ability to develop and sustain sustainability policies. Through a comprehensive analysis of national legislation, international reports, and academic literature, the study identifies the main barriers and opportunities within the Argentine context. The results reveal that, although the Law 27.621 of 2021 provides a regulatory framework for environmental education, the lack of clear financing mechanisms has led to a fragmented implementation of sustainability policies across Argentine HEIs. In contrast with international models, specific and sustained funding, as well as public-private collaboration, are essential to ensure equity and effectiveness in policy implementation. The article concludes that overcoming current limitations requires reforming the Argentine regulatory framework to incorporate dedicated financing mechanisms that promote strategic partnerships and establish monitoring and evaluation systems. These measures will enable Argentine HEIs to advance more decisively towards an educational model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).