Universities and socioeconomic development: a proposal for evaluating their social linkage projects

Abstract

In compliance with the “third mission of universities,” the “University Society Linkage Projects” (USLPs) are currently undergoing an important development in many countries. However, there is no comprehensive model for evaluating these projects’ development and impact. This article proposes a model to remedy this deficiency, one which factors in the agents involved, the dimensions and factors relevant to their development, and the variables and indicators to be considered. This model can therefore be useful for universities, public supervisory bodies, and the beneficiary entities of the projects themselves.