INTEGRATING UNIVERSITY SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INTO HIGHER EDUCATION: A DESIGN THINKING APPROACH TO RURAL COMMUNITY INNOVATION

This study examines the integration of University Social Responsibility (USR) into higher education through a case study of the "Creativity Design" course at National Chiayi University. The course, supported by Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council, aimed to address challenges faced by Haomeili, a remote village facing the Taiwan Strait to the west in Chiayi County. Utilizing a Design Thinking framework, 54 students engaged in developing innovative tourism solutions for the community. The course structure included technical training, fieldwork, and project execution, with students collaborating with local stakeholders and industry experts. Despite successful project outcomes, including tourism videos, digital maps, and social media campaigns, the study revealed challenges in long-term sustainability and adoption of innovations, particularly due to the community's limited technological familiarity. Logistical issues, such as transportation and coordination, also emerged as significant hurdles. The research highlights the potential of USR courses in fostering meaningful university-community engagement while emphasizing the need for sustained partnerships beyond academic semesters. It underscores the importance of aligning innovative solutions with community needs and technological capacities. The study concludes by suggesting refinements in course planning, the establishment of inter-semester continuity, and the development of strategies to ensure the long-term impact of student projects, providing valuable insights for future USR initiatives in higher education. Keywords: University Social Responsibility, community innovation, rural development, design thinking, creative design.