Política de responsabilidade social na universidade: conceitos e desafios

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the concept of university social responsibility (USR) in its differentdimensions – 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 bythe university, specifically in relation to the concept of USR; the challenges university is facing fromits social and educational commitment to contribute to the development of its various dimensionsand to fulfill its social responsibility; understanding if USR is always the same, regardless of geographicand social context. The methodology used was a qualitative approach, using the principlesof document analysis. Statutes from 42 public universities were analyzed: 15 Portuguese universitiesand 27 Brazilian universities. USR is as a modernization alternative. This alternative allows for theconstant pursuit of redefining socially responsible management and ongoing criticism about waysof thinking and of adopting educational processes. It forms the link between knowledge generatedin the context of its application and the local, national and global needs. In other words, it is thelink between the knowledge generated institutionally and the impact on societal development.