Virtualization of Research Universities: Raising the Right Questions to Address Key Functions of the Institution

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the variety of information and communication technology (ICT) applications at traditional universities and to integrate them into a holistic picture of the institution. Using the distinction of three key elements of scholarly activity (research, publication, education), it suggests a functional perspective of the organization as a way to raise questions for the assessment of ICT applications in universities. This may lead to a better understanding of the different rationales in research, publication, and education. Acknowledging these differences might enable finding ways for using ICTs to foster academic productivity in each of the different aspects separately and also for contributing to their integration in the organization of the university.