The future of the university and the university of the future: evolution of ivory tower to entrepreneurial paradigm

Abstract

This article examines recent developments in the role of the university in increasingly knowledge-based societies. Deploying the triple helix model (of academic–industry–government relations) recently developed elsewhere an emergent entrepreneurial paradigm is outlined in which the university plays an enhanced role in technological innovation. Governments encourage this academic transition as an economic development strategy that also reflects changes in the relationship between knowledge producers and users. It appears that the `entrepreneurial university' is a global phenomenon with an isomorphic developmental path, despite different starting points and modes of expression.