University extension and outreach: the university-environment relationship in the case of the national universities of Quilmes and Lanús

Abstract

This paper analyzes the conceptions about the university-environment relationship held by officials in charge of university extension and outreach at two Argentine universities, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (UNQ) and Universidad Nacional de Lanús (UNLA). Drawing on documentary analysis and interviews, we show that the conceptions and actions of officials at UNLA correspond more closely to the «engaged» modality, orientated towards social and cultural dimensions in terms of the curriculum and the type of linkages and cooperation activities. Meanwhile, at UNQ, officials’ conceptions are located somewhere between «engagement» and «detachment,» valuing an educational offer and research groups focused on the production of knowledge in areas of international scope but with some transfer and extension activities in the local production environment.