This article explores the utilization of public–private funding models in European
universities and its implications for community empowerment initiatives, particularly
University–Community Engagement (UCE) projects. A systematic literature review (SLR)
was conducted using the Scopus database, screening 50 articles relating to public–private
funding models in European universities. The study reveals that while public–private
funding models have gained traction in the academic sphere, they primarily focus on
supporting applied science research projects. In contrast, the funding of projects
solely oriented toward community empowerment remains limited, with only one article
addressing this potential. The findings highlight the challenges associated with employing
public–private funding for UCE projects with a strong emphasis on community empowerment.
Public–private funding, typically sourced from industry partners, tends to prioritize
product innovations and productivity enhancements, posing a mismatch with the social
justice-oriented nature of UCE. This discrepancy underscores a significant research
gap in UCE and calls for innovative approaches to develop supportive funding frameworks
that can effectively sustain UCE initiatives.Keywords: public–private funding, university–community
engagement, European University
