Universities between Berlin and Bologna

In view of current academic policy and the Bologna Process in Europe, sociologist Emilio Lamo de Espinosa recalls the ideas of Wilhelm von Humboldt, co-founder of Berlin's Humboldt University: "If, as is currently the case, almost 100 percent of pupils graduate from secondary school, there is no alternative: the university becomes the training ground for professions required by society. University education is to our knowledge-based society what the school leaving certificate was to industrial society. ... Nevertheless we must also find a place for research, critical thinking, reflection, the creation of new ideas and excellence in universities. Two of the university's key functions are being displaced by the third. ... Bologna can be important for vocational training, but fatal for research. Going from Berlin to Bologna means taking a step backwards."

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