The role of higher education in emerging knowledge society

In the last few decades, the Agricultural Society and the Industrial Society have gradually been replaced by what has been called the Knowledge Society, driven by new digital technology, globalization and high-tech educational systems.  Knowledge and creativity are the prime driving forces and engines of today’s global economic growth. In this paper we explore the growing importance of knowledge, research and innovation which are ultimately changing the social role of universities in the globalized world.  We also analyze the tremendous challenges that higher education is facing in terms of access to knowledge, performance of knowledge, and creativity in knowledge to meet the demands of this knowledge society.  Finally, we  discussed the approaches of higher education with regard to its education policies, curricula, and teaching and learning practices. Keywords: Knowledge society, higher education, access performance and creativity, curriculum, education policies, teaching and learning practices, pluralistic society.