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Towards the Construction of Productive Interactions for Social Impact

Author

Listed:
  • Blanca L. Díaz Mariño

    (Center of Excellence, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Adolfo López Mateos University Center, Victoria City CP 87149, Mexico)

  • Frida Carmina Caballero-Rico

    (Center of Excellence, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Adolfo López Mateos University Center, Victoria City CP 87149, Mexico)

  • Ramón Ventura Roque Hernández

    (Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Social Sciences, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Avenida Luis Echeverria, Infonavit Fundadores, Nuevo Laredo CP 88275, Mexico)

  • José Alberto Ramírez de León

    (Academic Unit of Social Work and Sciences for Human Development, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Adolfo López Mateos University Center, Victoria City CP 87149, Mexico)

  • Daniel Alejandro González-Bandala

    (Faculty of Commerce and Administration, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Adolfo López Mateos University Center, Victoria City CP 87149, Mexico)

Abstract

Understanding the value of research for society has become a priority, and several methodologies have been developed to assess the social impact of research. This study aimed to determine how productive interactions are developed during the execution of research projects. A retrospective study was conducted on 33 projects from 1999 to 2020. Semi-structured interviews with the technical managers were conducted to analyze how different actors of the project—researchers, government officials, and civil society and private sector stakeholders—were involved, illustrating how productive interactions occur in specific biodiversity contexts. The results revealed different levels and intensities of productive interactions; on the one hand, three projects involved all actors; eight involved researchers outside the institution; and 25 involved community members. The number of participants ranged from 2 to 37. All research evaluated had a disciplinary orientation. The type and time of interactions with other interested parties depended on the amount of funding, project type, project duration, and, significantly, on the profile of the technical manager. The importance of assessing and valuing productive interactions was identified as a fundamental element in promoting the social impact of research, as well as integrating inter- or multidisciplinary projects that impact the conservation of socio-ecological systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Blanca L. Díaz Mariño & Frida Carmina Caballero-Rico & Ramón Ventura Roque Hernández & José Alberto Ramírez de León & Daniel Alejandro González-Bandala, 2021. "Towards the Construction of Productive Interactions for Social Impact," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:2:p:485-:d:475812
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    References listed on IDEAS

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