Development of a University Research Management Policy Applied to the Faculty of Dentistry.

Abstract

Universities are immersed in a globalized world with new knowledge and technologies. This requires to focus their objectives to meet society's demands. Advanced human capital has to be capable of strategic planning which is key to university development and must be aimed at educational excellence, quality of scientific research, and highlevel technology. These elements make possible the creation of efficient units capable of performing in increasingly demanding markets. The objective is to describe a policy strategy for university research management applied to the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of La Frontera. The development of this policy included a strategy based on the generation of a research environment through the creation of a Master's degree and the establishment of four pillars: recruitment and training in research of human resources, creation of research centers, creation, and implementation of research laboratories and collaboration with national bodies and foreign universities. This policy has succeeded in improving scientific production and publication quality, positioning the Faculty of Dentistry within the Universidad de La Frontera. We consider that the strategy presented can be applied in different faculties of Chilean Universities. For its application, technological and social advances and demands of the current times must be considered.