Universities as potential social anchors in the development of mutual learning in local communities. The importance of proximity between the actors involved in collaborative research

Over the years, universities are progressively building and playing an important role, through new research strategies linked towards social responsibility within communities. Therefore, the role of universities is becoming more socially active through promoting co-production of knowledge and new innovative educational practices combining the engagement of students and communities to build a better society. In this sense, this role can provide a new form of proximity among actors involved by creating networks with local organizations, residents and institutions.