While European universities have much to at an early, peripheral phase, and the central offer European society in the field of commu- challenge is in placing it at the heart of IV.5 nity engagement, there is an urgent challenge university life. KNOWLEDGE, to improve their current performance. A great ENGAGEMENT deal is demanded across all walks of society AND HIGHER for the knowledge emanating from universi- SOCIETAL ENGAGEMENT IN EUROPE EDUCATION IN ties, and for the exchange and co-production of knowledge with universities, and a failure European universities have been inextricably EUROPE to respond will undermine popular support tied up with their host societies since their for the sector. University work in engagement foundation, and universities’ institutions http://www.guninetwork.org/. Paul Benneworth and occurs against a range of competing forces, and ideas have evolved along with their host Michael Osborne including modernization, internationalization societies. Universities have always faced a and budget cuts. As a consequence, universi- dependency on sponsors, which has influ- website ties are faced with having to make strategic enced their relationships with society. As their choices and are being overloaded with Biggar (2010, p. 77) notes: on missions; seemingly less important missions
[email protected]. risk becoming peripheral within this scenario. Right from their medieval beginnings, Nonetheless, there is much that is [universities] have served private purposes contact outstanding in European universities in terms and practical public purposes as well as Innovation of community engagement, and in this chap- the sheer amor scientiae [‘knowledge for for ter we provide a historical and contemporary knowledge’s sake’] … popes and bishops please background as well as many examples of needed educated pastors and they and kings exemplary practice.