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Cultural contributions of higher education
The study of cultural contributions of higher education is important for a variety of reasons. The first one is quite evident. As far as we know there is no comprehensive study analysing the role of higher education and higher education institutions (HEIs) as cultural contributors in their respective societies or internationally. However, there are a number of studies focusing on separate cultural activities related to higher education (see below). The second reason is the increasingly dominant role economic perspective has reached in defining higher education and research during the last decades. HEIs have been seen mainly as economic entities and actors that should promote innovations, strengthen national economies and act as engines of regional development. Concerning students, higher education has been defined as an economic investment that should profit students as consumers with promising career prospects and high income. While there is nothing wrong with defining HEIs also as economic actors, the problem with this myopic, neo-liberally inspired focus is the neglect of other important functions HEIs have internationally and in their respective societies. Especially neglected and overlooked aspects are the cultural roles played by higher education and HEIs. Therefore, this chapter aims to open a fresh perspective to higher education by analysing the variety of cultural contributions that higher education and HEIs have.