This study examines the role of boundary spanners in institutionalizing university–community
engagement (UCE) in higher education institutions (HEIs). Employing autoethnography,
we gathered data via reflexive texts and dialogues produced by nine boundary spanners
from four UCE units in Hungary. We explore the functions of the boundary spanners
in facilitating bottom-up UCE institutionalization processes in a hostile setting
not only characterized by (1) transnational academic capitalism, but also (2) a general
lack of knowledge of and institutional and/or policy support for UCE and (3) an illiberal
political context. We highlight that, within such contexts, boundary spanners often
need to undertake multifaceted roles: beyond establishing robust community contacts,
they also navigate technical challenges and provide leadership. Also, certain expectations
of transnational academic capitalism might also open up spaces for UCE institutionalization
within illiberal political settings, although not without challenges and contradictions
stemming from the core logic of transnational academic capitalism.
