Strengthening Outreach within the Social Ecosystem of Universities in Central America

Background and Problem

In the twentieth century, the concept of university extension (extensión universitaria) emerged in Latin America, shaped largely by the guiding principle of social justice. It was regarded as an institutional obligation of universities to share culture and knowledge with disadvantaged population groups. This understanding established social change as a central function of higher education institutions. Tünnermann (2000) traces the origins of this concept back to the Córdoba Reform (1918), which stipulated that the task of extension is to disseminate university knowledge as widely as possible in order to enable all citizens to participate in culture and to contribute to social development.

More recently, globalisation, the knowledge society and information technologies have confronted universities with a change in their mission and their social function. In Central America, university extension must therefore move towards a model that ensures greater effectiveness in terms of social impact.

Research question

• Which indicators and assessment methods are best suited to evaluating and quantifying the socio-economic and cultural impact of university extension activities on local ecosystems?

Approach

Development of methods for assessing the impact of extension

The project aims to develop methods at the higher education institutions for assessing the impact of university extension on the socio-economic and cultural ecosystem. This is intended to capture not only the direct monetary effects but also the non-market effects.

Restructuring of the advisory function

One focus is the restructuring of the advisory function within the institutional framework of the universities. This includes:

• Modernising the management and governance structures for extension

• Organisational integration of teaching, research, transfer and advisory services

• Redesigning advisory practices and policies to impart skills to disadvantaged groups

• Internationalising the measures and exchanging good practice between the Central American countries

Impact evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation of the impact of extension practices and strategies is intended to determine their extent and ensure future success.

Results

• Modernisation of structures to integrate the institutional functions of research, teaching and transfer within the universities' extension activities

• Redesign of university practices and policies in order to reduce bureaucratic processes, making it possible to meet the socio-economic and cultural needs of the most vulnerable groups

• Development and evaluation of a comprehensive methodology that favours organisational and curricular change at higher education institutions in order to increase the impact of their university advisory policies and practices.

Dissemination and Transfer Activities

Development of the project website, on which all the products created are available; dispatch of six newsletters over the project period (two per year); an interactive online map of good practice; an exchange forum for interested stakeholders; organisation of five multiplier events; setting up of the project's social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube); and production of a complete merchandising package for the project.