Beyond Triple Bottom Line: A Four-Dimensional Framework for Higher Education Sustainable Supply Chain Performance

Abstract This paper constructs and empirically investigates an extensive four-dimension Higher Education Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (HESSCP) framework, going beyond the typical triple bottom line and adding operational performance. By reviewing 82 papers indexed in Scopus systematically, using VOSviewer analysis and carrying out two Delphi rounds with 36 participants from academia, government, and industry, a significant consensus was achieved (Kendall’s W = 0.557, p < .001) with 28 robust indicators evenly distributed over environmental, social, economic, and operational categories. It unveils the prominent features of higher education supply chains like mission alignments integration, involvement from many different groups, distributing knowledge around and making good use of resources. The framework gives managers a practical tool for comprehensive assessment and benchmarking and scholars a sector-specific model for prospective theoretical investigation. Cross-cultural validation and dynamic capacity analysis to meet evolving stakeholder demands are required in future research.