The role of Special Pedagogy for Third Mission and Social Impact between transformative practices and emancipatory processes

The development of inclusive cultures and practices in academia can be substantiated not only in references to the two traditional missions of universities, namely Teaching and Research but can find a generative way through a third mission, namely that of “Third Mission and Social Impact”. Italian universities assume this programmatic horizon to make available and accessible the social value of scientific research that is also carried out in synergy with territories, institutions, and communities. This paper intends to conduct an action of conceptualization and legitimization of the “Third Mission” in universities and, at the same time, to highlight the transformative practices and emancipatory processes underlying the strategic actions of the universities. In particular, starting from the analysis of the Strategic Plans of 88 Italian universities, this contribution delves into the pedagogical dimensions that characterize the “Third Mission” and, therefore, seeks to highlight the role of Special Pedagogy for the enhancement of knowledge and the creation of new connections of social impact.