On the influence of knowledge societies on the internal structure, content and purpose of current academic education

Abstract

This article discusses the Western transition from Information Societies to Knowledge Societies, and the implications of this transition for academic education. Attention is given to the characteristic features of both types of societies and the design of current academic education. These two aspects are brought together when discussing the past and future consequences of Knowledge Societies for university education. Finally, the implications of this transition are exemplified by a description of the changes that occurred in the Social Sciences departments of Dutch universities due to the ongoing transition to a Knowledge Society.