To Guide Society:The Functions of Universities in Knowledge Society

The change of the functions of universities does not carry out naturally.It is the result of the changing needs of knowledge for social development and the universities' satisfaction at the changing needs constantly,and is in different historical periods respectively endowed by society.With the coming of knowledge society,it is inevitable of the universities to change their functions from civilization,scientific research and social service to guide society.In the knowledge society,on the one hand,the universities should become a power source of economic development and wealth growth,which means they must strive to grasp the direction of education,cultivate person with ability not only yielding knowledge but also managing knowledge,and explore actively new industrial organization model.On the other hand,the universities should quest for truth,pursue ideal and endow abundant means with spirit,which lead to human spiritual development with ration and independence,and construct an aspiring atmosphere of the times to promote society development.