University-surroundings and techno-scientific collaboration in Mexico: Outreach efforts of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California

Abstract

In a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative to understand the collaborative process between universities and their surroundings. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the key characteristics of UABC’s collaboration process within its social, productive and governmental environment. The research is based on a case study in which the data collection method was a semi-structured interview applied to researchers of AUBC’s Institutes. Among the main findings was the normative ambiguity regarding collaboration activities, which have brought significant cognitive impact on researchers; also, the management and organization of the University do not reflect institutional efforts to build professional skills for outreaching activities based on the knowledge, which, correspondingly, does not favor the consolidation of this important university function.