The establishment of partnerships between universities and communities can significantly support the implementation of initiatives related to sustainability as a whole and help to realize some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Despite the usefulness of mapping of partnerships, there is a perceived necessity for studies, which may shed some light on these interactions, and the many advantages they offer. Against this background, this paper reports on a study which has assessed the extent to which partnerships between universities and communities may assist in achieving the SDGs. Methodologically, by means of a bibliometric analysis and the use of a set of enlightening case studies, the paper introduces some of the partnerships being implemented today and draws the lessons learned, which may be helpful in future initiatives. A total of eight initiatives are presented and discussed during the paper. The results suggest that more joint efforts are needed, as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs at the university level, including a list of measures that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) could apply to address those goals. Overall, this research contributes to the sustainability area by providing empirical evidence, insights, and recommendations for fostering partnerships between universities and communities. It adds to the existing body of knowledge and understanding of how collaborative efforts can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs.
This study aims to identify and analyze the adoption of digital agriculture in Latin America, focusing on Brazil, by examining barriers and drivers across diverse biomes. It identifies key factors influencing technology integration using a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and empirical data from selected Brazilian municipalities. The central barriers include limited digital literacy, financial constraints, labor shortages, service provider accessibility, and infrastructure inadequacies. Drivers encompass productivity gains, cost reduction, improved management, infrastructure availability, and producer education. This research highlights the need for strategic policy interventions to address these barriers, enhancing digital literacy, infrastructure, and connectivity. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for realizing the transformative potential of digital agriculture and promoting productivity, sustainability, and economic development in the region.