ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we offer some observations on the communication function of universities, with a focus on the role and place of science communication. We will proceed in three steps: First, we examine the historical trend towards ‘new public management’ and how its logic of strategic communication affords universities the full range of lobbying, public relations and marketing functions. Second, we review emerging research on institutional science communication and contextualise our level of analysis: public communication at the ‘meso level’ of institutes where the research action is located. Third, we report ongoing transformations in communication at this level. Finally, we specify the ‘Decentralisation Hypothesis’ with five elements, including the intimation of a potential niche for civic science communication at the institute level.
