The increasing links between technology and economic development have implications for higher education. Access to and equality of opportunity are frequently-stated missions of higher education that are perceived to be in the best interest of society's future vitality. As technological advancements increase and higher education attempts to fulfill social and economic needs, colleges and universities are being asked to alter their programmatic objectives and offerings at a pace that does not allow for leisurely adjustment. A central part of higher education's development is the forming of more cooperative and efficient relationships with other educational forms and levels, professional associations, the private sector, and local and state governments. Therefore institutional roles are being delineated to foster coordination and linkages to address societal and cultural concerns more effectively. Accreditation in higher education is confronted with a number of major issues in adjusting to societal demands for closer relationships between occupational needs and higher education. Specialized college degrees reflect the rise of occupations that require formal instruction to meet the needs of a more technologically complex economic structure. (Author/SW)