Facing with global economic issues and changes, the risk and challenges of a growing, insecure and complex environment, a need arose for a new role and function of universities. The emphasis has been put on universities as socially responsible subjects in social and economic development of every country. Universities are becoming more and more important participants in the creation of sustainable social development, because connecting the learning process with economic activities can affect the creation of sustainable dynamics of economic and social development of the community in which the university works [Etzkowitz, 2002]. By carrying out project A.C.T.I.V.E. Activity and Creativity Through Ideas and Ventures = Employment, J. J. Strossmayer University in Osijek Faculty of Economics showed that they are capable of recognizing current issue within the community and to resolve these issues by undertaking taking proper measures. This way the University plays a significant role of brokering positive changes in our society. The aim of this paper is to put emphasis onto social responsibility of the University in carrying out project A.C.T.I.V.E., the goal of which is to establish and improve prerequisites for employability and self-employability of young people in Osijek-Baranja County, especially college and high school graduates as well as inexperienced unemployed people.

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