Key university missions and Solidarity Social Economy: An Experience from Costa Rica

Abstract

This work aims to describe the roadmap for the three substantive functions of a public university in Costa Rica, which was developed following the execution of a multistakeholder international project called “INICIA.” This project sought to integrate social solidarity economy (ESS) and collaborative economy (EC) into academic training. A collaborative and multidisciplinary working dynamic was used, involving 17 universities from Latin America and Europe, to create a specialization program in the management of collaborative economic initiatives and ESS.

The results of the project were significant: 458 participants were certified, and 84 innovative projects in ESS and EC were developed. Additionally, 51 professors were trained, facilitating a shift in teaching toward online modalities, especially during the pandemic. This experience highlights the capacity of universities to adapt and respond to contemporary socioeconomic challenges.

The work provides evidence of the effectiveness of integrating research and practice in higher education, promoting sustainable economic models that prioritize community well-being. Despite the achievements, the challenge of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project is crucial. It is proposed to incorporate this knowledge into curricula and develop ongoing initiatives that maintain the project's impact on the community. Ultimately, INICIA represents a step toward a more inclusive and collaborative educational model, reaffirming the transformative role of universities in their environments.