This report is intended to stimulate discussion among and within the 18 countries comprising the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) about recent, current and future changes in the role and functions of their universities. Of particular concern are difficulties associated with preparing, legislating, and implementing policy. Ten main functions that universities fulfill in OECD countries are identified, based on mission statements. The influence of economic, social, and political factors on the roles of universities is also addressed. To clarify current problems of universities in OECD countries, the way the higher education system came into being, particularly since 1960, is discussed, along with the development of nonuniversity higher education during these decades. Additional issues considered include: access and participation in higher education, the age and sex of students, part-time enrollments, undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, nontraditional curricula, the research role of universities and external and industrial support for research, universities and the economy, the age structure of the academic profession, tenure and conditions of service for faculty, quality in higher education, and tasks for the future. (SW)