The need for research capacity in developing countries and the traditional role and structure of universities in Greece are considered. A scientific and technological research capacity is viewed as a prerequisite for economic development. Until now universities have been highly specialized teaching institutions directly subordinate to the government. In the last five years efforts for change of the universities' operational structure and of their integration into the national and local social environment have been intensified. A 1978 law to improve the university system and provisions of charters proposed by study groups and interest groups are outlined. The question of committing universities to research or not has received a positive answer by all political groups. The following two categories of research are examined according to the goals pursued: to maintain the quality of the undergraduate teaching at a high level, and to be accountable for the production of new technologies satisfying the needs of the socioeconomic environment. The first goal favors highly decentralized structure, while the second goal favors organizationally strong central authorities. (SW)