ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: WITH A CASE SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT FOR THE NHA TRANG REGION

摘要

This paper examines the relationship between the university and its regional context with a focus on the case of Nha Trang University and on its potential service role. While the core roles of universities are to impart knowledge and develop human capital, and to promote knowledge creation, the literature also points to its historic and contemporary responsibility to society through direct and indirect service to the community in its immediate service area. The service role includes analysis of the local economy, social/cultural systems, political and governance systems, physical environment and resource extraction. It also involves training and education outreach, applied research, leadership (e.g., faculty, staff and student participation in stakeholder groups, associations, businesses, government groups and advisory organizations). The paper presents a short description of the relationship of the university to its region in historical context. An interpretive presentation of how the University of Nha Trang could expand and define its regional role and responsibility follows the introductory material. Additional considerations include the role of leadership of the university at the interface of regional institutions and regional economic development, and the establishment of a regional research/outreach and incubation center for promotion of entrepreneurship, fisheries and other resource development initiatives and enterprises.