Quale università, quale scuola. Per proseguire il dibattito dopo il volume di Cappa e Gavosto (2025)

Abstract

This article offers a critical reflection on the prospects for Italian universities, drawing on the book Università sotto esame by Cappa and Gavosto (2025), and broadening its interpretative framework through a pedagogical and politicoinstitutional analysis. After highlighting some of the system’s structural weaknesses – persistent underfunding, the prevalence of neoliberal and efficiencydriven approaches, demographic decline and the rapid expansion of online universities – the paper argues that these phenomena cannot be addressed separately or exclusively within the confines of higher education. The argument proposes reframing the debate within a systemic perspective that takes the development of the country’s intellectual capital and the democratic function of education as its guiding principles. Through engagement with pedagogical literature, studies on reflective and decisionmaking processes, and data from national and international sources, the paper discusses the need to counter shortterm decisionmaking models and to promote planning grounded in reflection, public accountability and the quality of education. From this perspective, the strengthening of universities is seen as inseparable from a reform of the entire education system, from preschool to adult education, with particular attention to secondary education and initial teacher training. The article concludes by proposing a renewed alliance between intellectuals who teach at universities and in schools, as a necessary condition for promoting equity, cultural development and the consolidation of democracy within the Italian education system.