In the historical trajectory of social evolution, institutions of higher education have played a central role in fostering societal development and progress. Moreover, in today’s global landscape, the pursuit of solutions to urgent challenges—such as those articulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—relies heavily on the expertise of scientific and engineering disciplines. These goals encompass a wide range of issues, from poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability to health and technological innovation. Given the prominence of science and engineering in addressing such challenges, universities, particularly those specializing in these fields, bear a unique responsibility to contribute to solutions that advance global well-being.
Recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and political upheavals that threaten democratic principles, have underscored the importance of social responsibility and proactive engagement by higher education institutions. Universities have been called upon to leverage their resources, expertise, and influence to confront these crises and uphold democratic values.
Against this backdrop, understanding how universities cultivate and embed a culture of social responsibility within their organizational structures becomes critically important. Examining the organizational culture of research universities in science and engineering provides valuable insights into how these institutions perceive and fulfill their social responsibilities in the face of complex societal challenges.
By analyzing their approaches to social responsibility as an integral part of organizational culture, this international review seeks to illuminate the ways in which universities navigate their role as agents of positive social change while preserving their academic missions and values.
