The University — and Particularly the Technological University: Pragmatism and Beyond

Abstract

The university is an institution that has survived by avoiding too sharp a definition of what it is and what it does. This has led to considerable diversity among universities, and at the same time to a common inability, intrinsic in the design of the university, to respond effectively to major social problems. One special kind of university, far more focused and capable of responding, is the technological university. A case in point is how Polytechnic University is developing a close interaction with industry and a major urban university-industry park in New York City focused on the service industry.