Knowledge, democracy and action: Community university research partnerships in global perspectives

Abstract

How are knowledge, democracy and action intertwined in a world increasingly centered around economic development? This introductory chapter to Knowledge, Democracy and Action: Community–University Research Partnerships in Global Perspectives, written by Dr. Budd L. Hall, examines the shifting relationship between knowledge and society and the evolving role of higher education institutions within this context. As knowledge becomes central to economic growth, universities are increasingly positioned as key producers of expertise aligned with state priorities and global development agendas. Drawing on intellectual traditions shaped by John Gaventa, Paulo Freire and others, the chapter interrogates the political and pedagogical dimensions of knowledge production. Framed in the landscape of poverty reduction strategies and the Millennium Development Goals, it asks three foundational questions about the role of knowledge, the responsibilities of universities and the contributions of community–university research partnerships. It argues that these partnerships are integral to an emerging knowledge democracy movement that seeks to transform how knowledge is produced, shared and mobilised across diverse global contexts.