Introduction: A brief history of engaged and entrepreneurial universities

Abstract

We present a brief history of universities and its transformation towards having an engaged and entrepreneurial profile as an introduction to this book. First, a recount from first over second to third generation universities sets the basis of themissions of universities. Second, an overviewof research on engaged and entrepreneurial universities details the characteristics of the change. Lastly, a brief account of practitioner developments highlights the events occurring inside institutions. Ultimately, all chapter contribution of this edited book are presented as they contribute to writing the history of universities and their role in society.