The University as an Epicenter of Social Innovation: Defining Roles and Pathways

Open Access
- Author:
- Katz, Sarina
- Area of Honors:
- Elective Area of Honors - Engineering Design
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Khanjan Mehta, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Sven G Bilén, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- university
social innovation
engagement
roles - Abstract:
- The traditional role of the university is to prepare students to fulfill the needs of the current society. American land-grant and public universities have a duty to better these societies through open collaborations with local and international. The 1996 Kellogg Commission’s report Returning to Our Roots reiterates the need for land-grant and public universities to sustainably realize this mission while simultaneously responding to the effects of globalization. Through collaborative efforts, universities and their partners develop ventures to promote social innovation and increase their levels of engagement, both locally and internationally, in order to improve the human condition. My research identifies and articulates seven comprehensive roles the university can play in order to realize this change. These roles are synthesized from previous literature articulating the definitions of social engagement, and are followed by real-world examples of application. The roles are then compared using a number of criteria, including overall level of engagement, the nature of resources utilized, and the level of impact. The typology created from this work provides the university with direct practical insights as to how they can reorganize their tripartite mission to one of learning, research, and engagement, thereby becoming the epicenter of social innovation. This research and role adoption can also be applied to other entities/industries that are working towards improving the lives of those in developing communities.