Reinventing the Research University for Public Service

Abstract

If the research university were reinventedfor public service, what would it be? This article addresses several such ques-tions and some of the intellectual and institutional issues they raise at a time when communities and universities are being challenged to develop capacityfor thefuture. It draws upon research and practice for analysis of the elements in the reinventing process, such as reconceptualizing research, integrating service into the curriculum, modifying the reward structure, changing the academic culture, and providing the leadership. It identifies obstacles to the process and ways to overcome them in higher education.