Universities and the Dissemination of Knowledge
Universities play the fundamental role of contributing to scientific progress and advancing its dissemination. Though the first goal is key, the second is absolutely integral to it. Moreover, centers of higher education and research have an obligation not only to their students, but more in general to society and public opinion, and must be capable of transferring knowledge directly and without mediation. To be effective, this transfer requires that language be adjusted for various audiences and contexts. We increasingly need to open a dialogue for anyone who, due to age, profession or expertise, is not in a position to develop their knowledge by participating in study programs, whether a degree program, a master or an executive course.
In this task, digital technologies and the internet are certainly our allies: just consider how much Bocconi has already developed and how much it is developing teaching by offering MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on the Coursera platform, and providing opportunities to attend some events through streaming. But these initiatives are not always sufficient. This is why we are experimenting with new formats and approaching new audiences, without, however, relinquishing the rigor of the subject matter and the scientific method.
Events such as BREWE (Bocconi Research for Europe and the World Economy) – created to communicate our most advanced research to the business community – and initiatives like Snack News – which was developed with Corriere della Sera to help Generation Z high schoolers understand current events through our faculty's perspective and expertise – are a few examples of how we have decided to take on the important challenge of dissemination. Creating an archive of easily shared video clips on articles published by our faculty in leading international academic journals is another example of this.
We must meet this challenge not only as an institution, but also as teachers and scholars. Because, as Seneca said, "Nothing, however outstanding and however helpful, will ever give me any pleasure if the knowledge is to be for my benefit alone. If wisdom were offered me on the one condition that I should keep it shut away and not divulge it to anyone, I should reject it."