This ground-breaking Handbook examines the evolution of university autonomy and governance by tracking the changing relationship between higher education institutions and the state. Through unique historical analyses, contributors provide important insights into the position of students, academics, and universities in today’s society, mapping potential future directions of travel for the sector. Illustrating how governments have historically always tried to exert some degree of control over universities, this Handbook explores ways institutions have adapted to these changing pressures. Contributors review the diverse societal roles played by higher education institutions, including serving the Church, training public bureaucrats, building the nation- state, preserving national culture, promoting social mobility, and ensuring economic competitiveness. They focus in particular on recent developments in university governance, critically analysing the influence of neoliberal politics, academic capitalism, and the knowledge society on higher education. This Handbook will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of education economics, management, policy and administration, as well as sociologists and political scientists. It will also be essential reading for leaders and administrators at higher education institutions seeking to design and implement effective higher education policies.