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The Contribution of Chilean State Universities to Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals Through Research, Technological Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Activities

Author

Listed:
  • David Blanco

    (Dpto. de Cs. de la Construcción, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana UTEM, Dieciocho 390, Santiago 8320000, Chile)

  • Verónica Díaz

    (Dpto. de Cs. de la Construcción, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana UTEM, Dieciocho 390, Santiago 8320000, Chile
    Red Compromiso con el Desarrollo Sustentable, Dieciocho 390, Santiago 8320000, Chile)

  • Jorge Bernal

    (Facultad de Administración y Economía, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avda. General Velásquez 1775, Arica 1000007, Chile)

  • Miguel Segovia

    (Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Baquedano 1499, Iquique 1101396, Chile)

  • Alejandra Tello

    (Dirección de Formación Continua, Universidad de Atacama, Avda. Copayapu 485, Copiapó 1531772, Chile)

  • Ricardo Zamarreño

    (Dpto. de Química, Universidad de La Serena, Avda. Raúl Bitrán Nachary 1305, La Serena 1720256, Chile)

  • Reynaldo Cabezas

    (Unidad de Sostenibilidad, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Ejército Libertador 146, Santiago 8370003, Chile)

  • Juan Marchant

    (Facultad de Cs. Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Avda. Leopoldo Carvallo 270, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile)

  • Javier Pino

    (Facultad de Artes y Educación Física, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Dr. Luis Bisquert 2765, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7750000, Chile)

  • María José Prieto

    (Facultad de Artes y Educación Física, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Dr. Luis Bisquert 2765, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7750000, Chile)

  • Angélica Soto

    (Unidad de Sostenibilidad, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Avda. Libertador Bernardo O´Higgins 3363, Santiago 9170022, Chile)

  • Yenny Olivares

    (Unidad de Medioambiente y Sostenibilidad, Universidad de Valparaíso, Blanco 1931, Valparaíso 2362700, Chile)

  • Pablo Pulgar

    (Dpto. de Cs. de la Construcción, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana UTEM, Dieciocho 390, Santiago 8320000, Chile)

  • Jorge Medina

    (Instituto de Cs. Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales, Universidad O’Higgins, Carretera I50, km 3, San Fernando 3070000, Chile)

  • Elizabeth Jara

    (Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Baquedano 1499, Iquique 1101396, Chile)

  • Nelly Gomez

    (Dirección General Relaciones Institucionales, Universidad del BíoBío, Avda. Collao 1202, Concepción 4051381, Chile)

  • Francisco Rubilar

    (Comité de Sustentabilidad, Universidad de La Frontera, Avda. Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • David Silva

    (Dpto. de Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Los Lagos, Camino a Chinquihue, km 6 s/n, Puerto Montt 5500000, Chile)

  • Gonzalo Uribe

    (Unidad de Sustentabilidad Ambiental, Universidad de Magallanes, Avda. Bulnes 01855, Punta Arenas 6210427, Chile)

  • Rodrigo Troncoso

    (Dirección General Académica, Universidad de Aysen, Eusebio Lillo 667, Coyhaique 5951537, Chile)

  • Edgar Estupiñan

    (Facultad de Administración y Economía, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avda. General Velásquez 1775, Arica 1000007, Chile)

  • Cristian Villagra

    (Facultad de Artes y Educación Física, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Dr. Luis Bisquert 2765, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7750000, Chile)

  • Mariella Rivas

    (Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avda. Angamos 601, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile)

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which Chile’s 18 state universities contribute to sustainability and the 2030 Agenda, with a specific focus on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, scientific publications, technological developments, innovation initiatives, and funded research projects carried out between 2022 and 2023 were analyzed using a combination of bibliometric analysis and document review. Data were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, and national databases, and classified using a structured keyword strategy aligned with each SDG. A PRISMA-inspired screening and selection workflow was employed to ensure consistency and transparency in the selection of the results. The analysis reveals a clear institutional focus on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which together account for the majority of outputs analyzed. In contrast, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) exhibit comparatively lower levels of representation. Differences were also observed among universities and across geographical macro-zones. The integrated analysis revealed important thematic asymmetries, territorial specialization patterns, and differentiated institutional sustainability profiles across the Chilean public university system. These findings highlight both the strengths and the current gaps in institutional alignment with the SDGs. The paper concludes by proposing concrete measures to improve coordination and information systems with the aim of reinforcing the strategic role of public universities in advancing sustainable development at both the national and regional levels.

Suggested Citation

  • David Blanco & Verónica Díaz & Jorge Bernal & Miguel Segovia & Alejandra Tello & Ricardo Zamarreño & Reynaldo Cabezas & Juan Marchant & Javier Pino & María José Prieto & Angélica Soto & Yenny Olivares, 2026. "The Contribution of Chilean State Universities to Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals Through Research, Technological Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Activities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-35, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:12:p:6137-:d:1967757
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