Digital observatories in public service: the role of the university in social transformation

Abstract

In addition to its educational and knowledge-generating role, universities play a social role, expressed in influencing public policy, disseminating accurate information, and promoting democratic practices. In the context of increasing digitalization and the need for transparency in justice matters, university digital observatories constitute strategic tools that enable the production of evidence, monitor processes, facilitate citizen participation, and sustain accountability processes. This study aims to propose a practical and theoretical framework for the creation and evaluation of digital observatories serving justice and citizenship. To this end, a documentary review of the information was conducted through exhaustive reading, note-taking, and the extraction of relevant information in accordance with the documentary design. This approach, based on a positivist paradigm with a quantitative perspective and the deductive method, was used. The results showed that these platforms, designed by academia, fulfill monitoring functions, generate evidence, and strengthen public debate, in addition to contributing to accountability and effective access to rights. This requires rigorous methodologies, open data standards, and ethical frameworks for information protection. The analysis concludes that, if sustainable, interdisciplinary, and with participatory governance, digital observatories can enhance the social function of the university, strengthen institutional legitimacy, and empower citizens in processes of justice and democracy.Keywords: Digital observatories, educational institutions, social function.