DIGITAL LIBRARY
THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CREATING A DYNAMIC SOCIETY
1 Islamic Azad University, Young Researchers' Club (IRAN)
2 Islamic Azad University, West Tehran Branch (IRAN)
About this paper:
Appears in: ICERI2011 Proceedings
Publication year: 2011
Pages: 2316-2320
ISBN: 978-84-615-3324-4
ISSN: 2340-1095
Conference name: 4th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 14-16 November, 2011
Location: Madrid, Spain
Abstract:
The role of higher education centers in spreading knowledge and creating a setting for a sustainable development is undeniable. They offer a valuable opportunity for the young talents as human capital of the society to flourish, promote their abilities; serve their own society and that of the world community as a whole.

The present world and the phenomenon of globalization raise a series of issues that universities as pioneers of awareness have to face. As problems become more and more complex, they require multidisciplinary approaches and knowledge-based solutions and there is a vital need to knowledgeable graduates of universities to deal with the issues. The traditional universities have to redefine their programs if they intend to be compatible with new changes.

Everyone realizes that our present way of life is not limited within the limited geographical borders. As a matter of fact and thanks to new means of communication, electronic advancement, internet and as likes, our life is in close contact with the life of other people of the world and it should be seen within a broader global context. Universities are an inseparable part of the society and can not present their program in isolation and to be restricted within an ivory tower. It is the inherent responsibility of universities to establish a mutual interaction with the society at the service of promoting the welfare of their people.

This paper is an attempt to discuss the critical role of higher education in promoting the livelihood of the people and enhancement of the world community.
Keywords:
Higher Education, Dynamic Society, Sustainable Development, Inherent Responsibility, Globalization, knowledge-based society.