University Social Responsibility (USR) has increasingly consolidated itself as a strategic dimension within higher education, particularly in the era of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. This article aims to systematize the existing knowledge on how higher education institutions integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their institutional practices, with particular emphasis on sustainability communication and reporting. Through a narrative literature review, the paper analyzes the conceptual evolution of USR, the mechanisms for aligning with the SDGs, and the persistent challenges in their implementation, drawing on both national and international experiences. The analysis highlights disparities between public and private universities, variations in the emphasis placed on social, environmental, and economic dimensions, and gaps in the use of performance indicators. Finally, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in measuring, managing, and communicating sustainability in higher education is underscored. This study contributes to the academic and institutional debate on the strategic role of universities in promoting sustainable development, identifying trends and opportunities for future research.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

University Social Responsibility: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education

  • Graça Azevedo,
  • Maria C Tavares

摘要

University Social Responsibility (USR) has increasingly consolidated itself as a strategic dimension within higher education, particularly in the era of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. This article aims to systematize the existing knowledge on how higher education institutions integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their institutional practices, with particular emphasis on sustainability communication and reporting. Through a narrative literature review, the paper analyzes the conceptual evolution of USR, the mechanisms for aligning with the SDGs, and the persistent challenges in their implementation, drawing on both national and international experiences. The analysis highlights disparities between public and private universities, variations in the emphasis placed on social, environmental, and economic dimensions, and gaps in the use of performance indicators. Finally, the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in measuring, managing, and communicating sustainability in higher education is underscored. This study contributes to the academic and institutional debate on the strategic role of universities in promoting sustainable development, identifying trends and opportunities for future research.