The third mission of the university

The traditional role or mission of the university, as it has evolved and established itself during the past Centuries has traditionally been twofold: (1) formation and higher teaching and (2) research. It is argued that the time has come that the university recognizes the existence of a third mission: (3) the dialogue between science and society as a result of the developments that have occurred in the last few decades. The case of Agorà Scienza, a inter-university Center of the Piedmontese universities dedicated to foster activities in this direction is discussed and exemplified with some of the actions so far undertaken by the center in various directions.