Abstract
Academic institutions in Iraq are increasingly challenged to align their economic strategies with the requirements of sustainable development and social justice, particularly amid rising poverty rates and limited engagement with institutional responsibility frameworks. This study addresses the problem of the apparent lack of integration between economic strategies and the ISO 26000 standard for social responsibility in reducing poverty within the university environment. It aims to analyze the role of such strategies in supporting vulnerable groups and enhancing institutional sustainability, using a case study of University of Kut.
The study adopted an analytical case study methodology, employing a checklist consisting of 21 items aligned with the seven core subjects of ISO 26000. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, along with the analysis of relevant documents and administrative reports.
The findings revealed that the university demonstrates a high level of compliance with the principles of social responsibility, with an overall implementation rate of 89.68%, and an identified gap of 10.32%. This reflects a strong institutional commitment, though some shortcomings remain in documentation and community partnership mechanisms.
The study recommends transforming this practical commitment into a structured, institutionalized model, and strengthening the integration between economic strategies and sustainable development through clear, measurable policies. Such steps would enhance long-term social impact and contribute meaningfully to poverty reduction within the academic community.
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