Implications of technological change for higher education reform

Technological change and social change are viewed as interdependent in this paper. At the same time technology's push is seen as outpacing the capability of social institutions to respond. Consequently, America risks losing its competitive edge economically and, further, is rapidly evolving toward a two-tiered occupational and social structure. This paper examines the relationship between technological and social change, the nature and significance of technological innovation and dissemination, and impacts on organizational life. Finally, the paper explores the role of higher education as well as strategies the university must adopt if it is to participate effectively in addressing the changes that are emerging as society moves from being production-and-material based to an information-based system.