This text was first presented orally in December 2009 and even a thorough revision could not remove some features of its original version. Its objective is to explore the relations between economical and social development strategies, on the one hand, and policies for higher education and research, on the other. Exploring some distinctions, it seeks to point out the reasons why a system of higher education has to have institutional diversity. Finally, it highlights the specific place of university at the junction between activities of higher education and research.
Higher education; University; Development; Research; Institutional diversity
