Universités et universitaires en leurs territoires : quelles implications pour quelles missions?

This thesis deals with the place of the territory in university missions using two case studies: Syracuse University (New York State, United States) and Paris Nanterre (France). Based on the concept of university engagement, the analysis questions the positions and actions voluntarily undertaken by universities or academics to contribute to society issues. The comparative approach looks at two universities that are using their commitment as an argument to be more attractive according to their respective national models. The leaders of the two universities promote a renewed theorization of the university’s missions and its territorial functions. The analysis of the implementation of this posture of engagement highlights the different means of action of the two institutions, while distinguishing similar territorial logics: the territory of the university is at the same time a frame of action, a land of investment, and an asset to be changed and defined the way the universities want it to be. The faculty level is also studied in its relations with the institution, highlighting at the same time various types of incentives addressed by the universities to their members to integrate them in their projects, and the faculty strategies towards their institution.