The Role of University Research in Sustainable Development Turki I. Obaidat Prof. of Civil Engineering, President Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan E-mail: president@zuj.edu.jo 4th Arab-Euro Conference on Higher Education (AECHE 4) 24-26, April 2017 University Mohammad V, Rabat, Morocco

The common global drivers of change. Objectives The common global drivers of change. Definitions of sustainable development. Concept of university research for sustainable development. Characteristics of university research for sustainable development. Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

Global Drivers of Change [1] Climate Change Pollution Converging New Technologies Wastes World Economic Power Shifts Demographics Energy Heath and well being Water Shortages Mobility Poverty Values and People Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

Definitions of Sustainable Development (SD) SD is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs [2] A sustainable society is one that can persist over generations, one of that is far-seeing enough, flexible enough, and wise enough not to undermine either its physical or its social systems of support [3]. Sustainable is an economic state … where you leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment [4]. Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

Concept of University Research for SD All research conducted within the institutional context of a university that contributes to sustainable development [5]. This concept does not neglect the growing trend of collaborative research between universities and other types of organizations. “All” research ranging from fundamental to applied and covers all disciplines (biology, chemistry, economics, environmental science, history, physics, political science, etc.) Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

Areas of University Research for SD According to the world’s Scientific Academies, research for SD should be strengthened in four areas [6]: Sustaining long-term basic research and linking it to societal goals. Coupling global, national, and local institutions into effective research systems. Linking academia, government, and the private sector in collaborative research partnerships. Integrating disciplinary knowledge into interdisciplinary, locally focused, problem-driven research and application efforts. Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

Characteristics of University Research for SD [5] Content Characteristics: are related to the subject that is being researched (what): Different levels of scale (local-global) Different time perspectives (short, medium and long term) Distribution aspects (equal distribution of welfare). Multidimensionality (economy, environment, institutional, social) North-South (social justice) Precautionary principle (dealing with uncertainties) Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

Characteristics of University Research for SD / Cont’d Process Characteristics: are related to the way research is conducted (How): Action oriented Collaboration (International and sectorial) Continuity Independence Knowledge transfer Multi-/ Interdisciplinary Problem oriented Participation (including local knowledge) Impact monitoring Transparency Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

References Global Drivers of Change to 2060. Natural English Commissioned Report NECRO30, 2009. World Commission on Environment and Development. Our Common Future. Oxford University Press, 1987. Meadows, D.H., Meadows, D.L., and Randers, J. Beyond the Limits: Confronting Global Collapse- Envisioning a Sustainable Future. Post Mills, 1992. Hawken, P, The Ecology of Commerce: A Declaration of Sustainability, New York, Harper Business, 1993. Waas,T., Verbruggen, A. and Wright, T., University Research for Sustainable Development: definition and Characteristics explored. Journal of Cleaner Production 18, Elsevier, 2010. Hassan, M., Transition to Sustainability in the Twenty- First Century: The Contribution of Science and Technology. Report of the World Conference of Scientific Academies. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2(1), 2001. Prof. Turki I. Obaidat

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