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Role of the Universities as Drivers of Social Innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina Puente

    (Computer Science Department, ICAI School of Engineering, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • María Eugenia Fabra

    (Department of Quantitative Methods, ICADE, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • Cindy Mason

    (BISC, EECS Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA)

  • Cristina Puente-Rueda

    (Computer Science Department, ICAI School of Engineering, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • Maria Ana Sáenz-Nuño

    (Institute for Research in Technology (IIT), ICAI School of Engineering, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • Ramiro Viñuales

    (Computer Science Department, ICAI School of Engineering, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

The role of universities as drivers of good practices and learning has changed radically in recent years. The strategic plan of the Comillas Pontifical University establishes the obligation of a learning and service subject in all degree programs as a way to put what has been learned during the university years at the service of society and as a vehicle for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals set by the 2030 Agenda. In this article we will present the theoretical framework on which the project has been developed, including the university context in which it fits, to analyze the process of design and implementation of a service-learning course in engineering degrees, selecting as case studies two examples of projects in which the social impact was high. As conclusions we will present the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation process, as well as the students’ learning based on their experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Puente & María Eugenia Fabra & Cindy Mason & Cristina Puente-Rueda & Maria Ana Sáenz-Nuño & Ramiro Viñuales, 2021. "Role of the Universities as Drivers of Social Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13727-:d:700967
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Siguo Bi & Wei Ni & Yi Jiang & Xin Wang, 2022. "Novel Recommendation-Based Approach for Multidisciplinary Development of Future Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Fanke Peng & Benjamin Altieri & Todd Hutchinson & Anthony J. Harris & Daniel McLean, 2022. "Design for Social Innovation: A Systemic Design Approach in Creative Higher Education toward Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-20, July.

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