The Role of Universities and Multidisciplinary Research Centers in Advancing Sustainable Development: A Field Study of Graduate Students at Benghazi University

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the role of universities and multidisciplinary research centers in supporting the dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, environmental, and technological) from the perspective of postgraduate students at the University of Benghazi, while identifying the most prominent obstacles that limit the effectiveness of this role. The study used a descriptive-analytical approach and relied on a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 340 students, and its validity and reliability were verified (α = 0.93).

The results showed that the overall appreciation of the role of scientific research in supporting sustainable development was high, with the technological and social dimensions being particularly prominent compared to the economic and environmental dimensions, which received moderate attention. The results also indicated no statistically significant differences based on gender or academic degree. Only a weak positive correlation was found between scientific research and the social dimension, while no statistically significant relationships were observed with other dimensions. Furthermore, the explanatory effect of scientific research was limited. The study recommended adopting an integrated institutional approach to enhance funding, develop research infrastructure, activate partnerships, and support interdisciplinary research to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.