Ricerc@Sapienza

Purpose – The importance of relational capital for the university has grown enormously in recent years.
In fact, relational capital allows universities to promote and emphasize the effectiveness of the third mission.
The purpose of this paper is to propose a case study involving an Italian university that recently set up a new
research observatory, and, thanks to its success, succeeded in enhancing its relational capital.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors adopted an action research approach to analyze the case

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relational capital of universities, within the new context that requires combining research, education, third mission and internal relations. Our investigation, following a dynamic approach, aims to answer the following RQ: "How is relational capital generated in universities?” From a methodological point of view, we address the research question by adopting a qualitative research approach based on a case study. The case chosen focuses on the foundation and development of a scientific observatory on gender issues entitled “Ipazia”.

In order to compare the methodological aspects of the different projects, while also placing them within a common framework, a form was specially drafted. This form was filled out in May 2019 by one or more members of each work group (Ascoli Piceno, Bologna, Milano, Roma, Trieste). The form was divided into three different sections (“Context characterisation methods”; “Community involvement methods”; “Networking methods”).