Chapter 6: Role of Universities in Transforming Society: Challenges and Practices

Analyzing the economic and social benefits of knowledge and skills from competencies acquired from university education is a critical source for transforming society – which can foster discussions on significant planning areas that are necessary for developing strategies for completion, where job creation, developing skills, cultivating informed citizenship, and disseminating knowledge are core concerns. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the impacts of university education on economic development and social responsibilities at all aspects, including social and economic benefits that can lead to improvement of living standards of individuals and society. The chapter does not take a supportive opinion on a particular perspective being more socially just, economically sound or beneficial to individuals or society. However, the chapter looks at literature that is pertinent to the usefulness of universities in relation to transformation of individual and society. Higher education is a determinant of income and one of the most important investments a country should choose to make in its citizens because it provides workforce with professions, technical, and managerial skills – creating attitudes and changes necessary for the socialization, modernization, and the overall transformation of the societies.