Mapping Green Competencies in the Academic Community in Bulgaria and Romania through a Pilot Survey

This study provides a snapshot of the competencies and expectations of academic staff in two higher education institutions in Bulgaria and Romania. The aim is to assess to what extent and in what way higher education institutions and their staff are engaged in the green transition. The results of the study show that teachers from Bulgaria and Romania point to difficulties in coordinating actions between different organizational units and the lack of financial resources as the main barriers to the green transition. At the same time, the government entities and higher education institutions, followed by business organizations, are identified as responsible and most appropriate partners in the direction of sustainable development. Citizens and society as a whole are also recognized as accountable for the green transition. At the same time, they are assigned a secondary role as a partner of higher education institutions. The insights will serve as a basis for identifying gaps in teaching competencies and the implemented green transition strategies.