The University as a Common Good: New Models for Autonomy and Governance

What Is It About?

This article explains how the concept of the university can be reimagined as a Common Pool Resource (CPR). Inspired by Elinor Ostrom’s governance theory, the Salesian University community proposes a framework where Catholic universities operate not as public nor private entities, but as community-governed common goods.

Why Is It Important?

According to the research compiled by Solórzano, Herrán, Salgado, and others, this model counters state overreach and the commodification of education. The main findings indicate that effective governance emerges from a balance of autonomy, external oversight, and collective ownership among students, faculty, and founding institutions.

How Does It Work?

Defining the University as a Common Pool Resource (CPR)

Drawing from Ostrom’s principles:

• A CPR is exclusive but community-governed.

• All members—students, professors, staff—are appropriators and providers.

• Rules and sustainability mechanisms are defined by and for the academic community.

Implications for Governance and Autonomy

• The Salesian university model emphasizes self-regulation, mission-driven leadership, and an external authority (e.g. the Church) to ensure ethical alignment.

• This model promotes renewability, ensuring that the institution grows through collective care and contribution, avoiding privatization.

Knowledge as a Common Good

The academic community produces knowledge not just for academia, but for society. This requires:

• A participatory research culture.

• Ethical dissemination and civic education.

• Policies that ensure knowledge circulation beyond market interests.

FAQs

Q: How is this model different from public universities?

This article explains that public universities are state-controlled, while the CPR model allows the university community to self-govern based on shared mission, not government mandates.

Q: Can private universities be common goods?

Yes. According to the authors, Catholic institutions rooted in community service and educational mission can operate as common goods, aligning identity, governance, and collective interest.

Q: What are the benefits of this model?

Stronger identity, sustainable governance, ethical decision-making, and better alignment with local and indigenous communities—as seen in UPS’s work in Andean and Amazonian regions.