Formation of the Concept of a Socially Responsible University

In the modern world, the role of universities is gradually changing: increasing importance is being placed on their participation in social life and engagement in socio-economic processes. The aim of this study is to substantiate the concept of a socially responsible university and to reveal the contemporary understanding of the phenomenon of social responsibility within educational institutions. The methodological basis of the research includes system analysis, the evaluation of regulatory documents, and expert data assessment. The study defines the concept of a socially responsible university and systematizes its practices in terms of addressing socially significant issues. It also describes various levels of university social responsibility, substantiates the principles of their activity, and uses an economic-mathematical model to summarize the resulting positive effects. Additionally, criteria for assessing the level of social responsibility of universities are considered. The research findings can be used by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation to classify universities based on their capacity to implement the concept of a socially responsible university. They may also be applied by university management to objectively assess the prerequisites for developing strategies aimed at creating conditions conducive to research and development activities.