The Development of Universities in Europe

A Historical Overview with a Focus on the University’s Economic and Civic Mission

Abstract

The paper deals with the origin, development and main features of European universities from the Middle Ages to the present day. The author explores the centuries– old tradition in the work and activities of a university, which is especially evident in teaching and scientific research. University professors have been engaged in teaching since the Middle Ages, but it was not until the 19th century that scientific research came to be the second mission of the university, primarily due to Wilhelm von Humboldt. The scientific research carried out at universities has contributed significantly to the development of modern science and new scientific fields of specialization. Humboldt emphasized that higher education ought to promote a person’s integral development, the search for truth and the synthesis of knowledge. The paper also analyzes the university’s third mission which became evident in the 1980s. The two basic priorities of the third mission are to encourage universities to contribute their intellectual capital to 1)the economic and 2)the social development of society. Although both are important for the promotion of a democratic and an economically stable society, it is apparent that the third mission promotes, in particular, the economic activities and commercial cooperation between universities and industry, while civic engagement is somewhat neglected.