Politics of social responsibility at the university

Concepts and challenges

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the concept of university social responsibility (USR) in its different
dimensions – social and cultural promotion, sustainable economic, development – and to identify challenges for today’s universities, within the social and educational fabric of which it is part.
The research problem was based on: the understanding of the purpose of knowledge assumed by
the university, specifically in relation to the concept of USR; the challenges university is facing from
its social and educational commitment to contribute to the development of its various dimensions
and to fulfill its social responsibility; understanding if USR is always the same, regardless of geographic
and social context. The methodology used was a qualitative approach, using the principles
of document analysis. Statutes from 42 public universities were analyzed: 15 Portuguese universities
and 27 Brazilian universities. USR is as a modernization alternative. This alternative allows for the
constant pursuit of redefining socially responsible management and ongoing criticism about ways
of thinking and of adopting educational processes. It forms the link between knowledge generated
in the context of its application and the local, national and global needs. In other words, it is the
link between the knowledge generated institutionally and the impact on societal development.