The University and the City

This chapter examines the dynamic relationship between universities and cities, emphasizing the role of the humanities in understanding urbanization as a complex phenomenon that shapes knowledge production and human values. The authors argue that contemporary urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for rethinking the ways knowledge is generated, shared, and utilized within urban contexts. Using Bologna as a case study, the chapter illustrates how the intertwined history of the municipality and the university has fostered a unique collaborative environment, where academic institutions actively contribute to urban development and sustainability. By investigating frameworks such as the Living Values Project and the Foundation for Urban Innovation, as well as initiatives like the ROCK project, the authors highlight best practices that promote inclusive, sustainable, and culturally aware urban spaces. Ultimately, the chapter advocates for a renewed focus on the interdependence of universities and cities, particularly in light of the ongoing changes brought about by globalization and the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that this interaction is critical for navigating future societal challenges.