Extensión universitaria en el siglo XXI: miradas reflexivas a la teoría y la práctica

The paper refers to the issue of university extension in the 21st century. It aimed to analyze university extension as an integral and multifaceted component within higher education institutions. An exploration of its polysemy and multidimensionality in diverse contexts highlights the need to understand extension not as an isolated process, but in interrelation with teaching and research, in order to maximize its impact on society. Through a qualitative perspective, a documentary review is applied, evidencing different approaches and practices in Latin America, highlighting how extension adapts to local realities and specific social problems. The importance and need to integrate substantive processes to promote a comprehensive education of students and strengthen interaction with the community is recognized. Progress has been made in understanding extension, but challenges remain that limit its transformative potential and a holistic approach is needed that recognizes the interconnectedness between extension, teaching and research. University extension should be seen as essential in academic work, to contribute significantly to social, economic and cultural development, and to ensure that the knowledge generated in universities has a positive impact on society.