El sistema universitario y la vinculación cultural con el medio

Abstract

The paper analyzes the cultural relationship between Chilean universities and the social setting of which they are part, generally known as outreach, and the various difficulties they currently faces in view of the circumstances created by the market and globalization. From the author's own perspective and experience at the Universidad de Chile, the article analyzes a unidirectional approach -i.e. from the institution towards the setting- to which it has been exposed in historical terms, and advocates in favor of a cultural link for universities approached from both sides, that is, one that also takes into account the needs and aspirations of society, by forging alliances within the university system and other organizations to allow to diversify the source of funding and also bring in the contribution of Chilean culture from abroad. Only if a willingness of this type exists -among other measures- will universities be capable to overcome their isolation and recover their quality of being cultural points of reference.