A conceptual analysis of a university of technology and its contribution to research and development

Abstract

This paper provides a conceptual overview of one of the three types of university in the South African higher education band, namely the university of technology. The contention of the paper is that universities of technology should have the same core activities as the general or classical university, that is teaching, research and service. The differences between the types of university exist on a conceptual level and therefore also in their approach to science in general. The conceptual analysis illustrates how the university of technology contributes towards research and development. It is for this reason that this university type should be welcomed by the university sector. Its overall contribution to what a university is should be acknowledged.