In spite of current advances in the field, the relations between educational and technological matters are still an issue in many French universities, particularly in the arts, social and human sciences departments. This paper considers three factors susceptible to explain the phenomenon: the traditional academic culture at the foundation of the institution, the status of auxiliary services commonly attributed to educational and technological activities and the latter’s subordination to the current forces of market and ideologies. In the light of interests at stakes, the paper further shows that it is urgent for higher education to take up the problem and develop a full fledged line of research developing the paradigms and methodical production of knowledge needed to renew the cultural approach to action and the organisation of institutional practices in the field.