University, reform, evaluation: the Italian case

Abstract

This essay deals with the Italian University reform, analysing its origins and main educational and managerial aspects, including the different positions on the identity and the role of this institution and of the diverse routes of higher education. The reform was passed while in the Old Continent an ancient ‘idea’ of Europe as a confederation of states activating an effective integration and unity process was taking shape, one aimed at ‘nationalizing’ and bringing together in the best possible way peoples that had shared for centuries religions, anthropological values, economic forms, legal codes, political institutions, and scientific knowledge. Moving from these premises, University is investigated not only as a crucial training place where research is carried out in synergy with didactics, but also as the driving force behind the most advanced scientific development, affluence, technological advancement, innovation, ideas and talents.

Keywords

• university
• reform
• evaluation
• the Italian case