Creating learning opportunities for the cities: Community engagement and third mission in the University of Catania

Abstract

Starting from a review of relevant reports and research experiences to provide a wider context for the analysis, this chapter aims to examine the extent to which the University of Catania is just in the city, or a part of it and contributing actively to its development. In particular, we discuss the impact of University activities in the areas of social or community engagement, intended to address critical societal issues and contribute to the public good. To better understand the level of University engagement within its wider community, this chapter is based on the analysis of the wider third mission activities of the University, to highlight the commitment of the University to perform research. The aim is to cope with some problems of the city and the surrounding region and the consequent ability of the University to disseminate the results of such research within the community.