ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the historical evolution of universities, tracing the origins of their current incarnation to developments in the US. It also discusses the evolution of universities in Asia, which display similar tensions between competition/branding on the one hand and state steering and governance on the other. The chapter explores the articulation between business schools and the currently dominant university paradigm. The contemporary university paradigm is not entirely easy to pinpoint but certain forms and models together form a coherent template for universities. The most successful of today's universities therefore tread a careful balance between organizational leadership, evaluation measures and strong collegiate. The US universities have shaped the dominant marketized university paradigm – much like the German university did in the Humboldtian era. The differentiating element of US universities was the incorporation of research within departments, departing from the German chair system.
