Starting with a brief description of the main university reforms of the last century, namely the Gilman-Flexner reform that came into practice in the United States as from 1910 and the so called Bologna Process, launched in 1999 in Europe, the position and role of modern university is addressed within the framework of the creation and consolidation of a knowledge society. Special attention is given to the Brazilian case study. The main challenges and weaknesses of the Brazilian higher education system are analyzed, as to support strategies of inclusion, quality, innovation and internationalization of higher education institutions, together with the empowerment of their administrative and financial autonomy, as well as of a profound reform of present governance and management models.
University Reform; Knowledge Society; Autonomy; Internationalization; Governance