In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Sjur Bergan discusses the current state of European higher education, emphasizing the social responsibility of universities and their role in local democratic missions. He highlights the diversity of European institutions and the challenges they face, including financial constraints and political pressures. The discussion also touches on the concept of higher education as a public good, the importance of equipping students for democratic engagement, and the differences in governance models between Europe and the US. Dr. Bergan advocates for international partnerships and the need for universities to adapt to changing political climates while maintaining their core values.Takeaways• European universities have diverse approaches to social responsibility.• Challenges include financial constraints and political pressures.• Higher education is viewed as a public good in Europe.• Democratic engagement is crucial for students today.• Governance models differ significantly between Europe and the US.