Relevance of a public university in Regional and Sustainable Development. An analysis from the perception of university professors

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have three explicit functions: teaching, research, and the extension, dissemination and linking of culture. However, implicitly alludes to many other functions, one of them is to potentiate the development of its immediate context. However, given the heterogeneity, diversity and complexity of these institutions, it must be considered that each of them responds to different logics and rhythms. Multiple studies have been carried out to reflect on the impact of HEIs on development, but few focus on the perspective of professors, being that all their academic work permeates all the activities of the university. The objective was to analyze from the perception of the professors how the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) contributes to the promotion of regional and sustainable development of the state of Michoacán from the focus of relevance. It is a qualitative, descriptive research. A convenience sampling was carried out and three professors were interviewed, for discourse analysis was used the ATLAS.ti 8. The data were analyzed considering two categories “substantive functions “and” relevance of the USMSNH”, consisting of seven codes. In relation to the three substantive functions, the professors mention aspects that are consolidated and others that can be improved, with the third substantive function being the weakest. It is concluded that this institution contributes positively to the development of the region through the activities carried out through the three substantive functions.