A Meta-theoretical description of the evolution of the concept of university social responsibility

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Science and Technology Policy, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Political Science، Futures Studies, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP), Tehran, Iran

3 . Assistant Professor, of philosophy Iranian Institute of Philosophy, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In recent years, as social issues grow more intricate, the need for applying science and technology to address them has become vital. Universities, among the key institutions linked to science and technology, are playing an expanding social role. They are evolving, adjusting, and refining their roles and structures to better engage with society and meet their responsibilities to both internal and external stakeholders.
As universities play a larger role in society, their social responsibility has transformed from being a peripheral concern to becoming a fundamental and essential concept embedded in all university functions. Understanding the path that led to the conceptualization of social responsibility in universities is important for guiding future research and policies.
In this regard, this article aims to answer the question of how the idea of social responsibility in universities has evolved in the last four decades. Using the Metatheory method, with a systematic review of related research, to understand the intellectual, social, internal, and external dimensions of this concept It identifies the theoretical and social themes impacting this concept, spanning economic, political, social, and technological fields, as well as the policies and actions of governments and organizations. The article also looks into how other concepts, theories, schools of thought, tools, paradigms, and local and international networks have influenced the expansion of this concept. The goal is to trace the evolution of this concept over the last four decades.
The research results show that in the past, two main approaches dominated the idea of the university's social responsibility (economic development and social justice), and in recent years, there's been a convergence towards a new approach (public goods).
Additionally, systematic reviews of relevant research showed that the evolution of the concept of social responsibility in universities has been divided into three time periods over the last 40 years.
The “social service” or outreach period (from the 1980s onward), The "social participation" period (from 2000 onward) and The "social engagement" period (from 2015 onward).
Thus, to maintain their relevance and significance in society, universities must actively involve external stakeholders such as industries, markets, and communities in all aspects of their academic work, including their structure, strategy, and functions. This active engagement with the outside world is crucial for the university's ongoing role in society.

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References

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