The University in the 21st century: innovative, international, pro-active arrives at a key moment for universities in the West, especially Europe and Japan. Globalization and developments in science and technology, coupled with a highly competitive environment, are generating a swift and profound transformation which no one and no institution, universities included, can escape. Universities are caught in a pincer movement brought about by a dual challenge. On the one hand, they must greatly innovate to remain at the forefront in the courses they provide, the research they undertake and the services they render. In addition, they must become more international, work with the best staff and students to improve continuously, and develop a top-level academic culture. On the other hand, public authorities are no longer willing or capable of supporting universities to the extent they did in the second half of the 20th century, even if it's widely acknowledged that universities are absolutely crucial in today's knowledge society. This book examines the new paths that are available to universities to adapt to this new environment and to fund their modernization. It then describes the conditions that must be in place in terms of governance and leadership to achieve this. Finally, this book is addressed to all those who assume responsibility at universities, beginning with university presidents, as well as politicians, business people and anyone who would like to better understand the University.
About the Author: An economist and professor of public economics at the University of Geneva, Luc Weber served for more than 30 years in Higher Education and Research in Switzerland, Europe and the wider world. Vice-Rector and Rector of his University and President of the Swiss Rectors' Conference, he then served numerous international university organizations, governmental and non-governmental, European and worldwide: President of the Steering Committee for Higher Education and Research of the Council of Europe, Vice-President of the International Association of Universities and founding Board Member of the European University Association. This engagement led him to evaluate numerous universities in Europe and further afield, to advise many institutions and to address numerous conferences. His excellent knowledge of the sector inspired him to create and conduct, from 1998 onwards, the "Glion Colloquium" a think tank bringing together the Presidents of the world's leading research-intensive universities to exchange and make recommendations on the role, responsibilities and future of research universities in the knowledge society. Luc Weber is Dr. honoris causa of the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve and Associate Member of the Belgian Royal Academy.