University in knowledge society: role and challenges

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to shed light on higher education in general, and enlighten challenges and changing role of university in the context of knowledge society. Knowledge society, primarily focused on knowledge production and generation of innovation in complex networks, is meeting continuous changes, mainly triggered by the rapid technological development. New technologies have significantly enhanced the production and dissemination of knowledge, the prerequisite of innovation. As universities have traditionally been the primary producers and disseminators of knowledge, and generators of innovations, the rapid technological development coupled with the recent economic and social changes is significantly affecting the role of universities. This being the case, universities will face multiple challenges implying notable reforms. Based on the above, the main assumption of this paper is that universities need to review their mission, and renew their methods and practices if they aim to maintain their traditional role of knowledge creators. This paper proposes that universities will have to embrace a new more social, and market-oriented role based on cooperation in diverse networks in order to be able to address economic concerns, enhance new ways of producing knowledge, and provide education and research that meets the needs of knowledge society that is expecting high quality research, and education that guarantees wide access to knowledge, continuous knowledge production, and equal opportunities to all for lifelong learning. The paper draws on previous literature in the field of higher education trying to answer two questions: How will universities meet the needs of knowledge society? Will universities maintain their traditional role as primary providers of higher education and as main knowledge creators?