As a basis for considering the types of third level education and research activity that are required, research into the quality of life, social and civic attitudes, the components of competence, and the effectiveness of the educational system is first summarized.
It is concluded that there is no shortage of jobs to be done by hands which are-currently idle in our society, but, if the necessary work is to be undertaken, new understandings of society, economics, wealth, public policy and democracy are required. Both the managers of our society, and citizens in general, need to develop new perceptions, expectations, understandings and patterns of competence. It is concluded that the role of the university must change radically. One possibility would be for it to come to see itself, first and foremost, as a producer of new concepts and understandings and new tools to administer, and provide accountability within, modern society. If this were to happen, it would function only secondarily, in a very much reduced role, as a provider of highly specialised knowledge. Other institutions would take over the competencepromoting functions which second and third level educational institutions currently neglect. Although there is an urgent need for a major programme of adult education, that need might best be met by other educational agencies.
This article is divided into two parts. The first deals with research; the second with the role of the university. Part I is itself divided into three sections: the first deals with quality of life surveys, the second with social and civic attitudes, and the third with the understandings, skills and abilities which are required to run modern organisations effectively.