Leveraging university research to serve economic development: an analysis of policy dynamics in and across three US states

• Published in: Journal of higher education policy and management Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 196 - 211
• Main Authors: Warshaw, Jarrett B., Hearn, James C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.04.2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: academe-industry partnerships; Administrator Attitudes; Boundaries; Business education relationship; Case Studies; Collaboration; Comparative Analysis; Competition; Corporations; Development policy; Economic development; Economic Factors; Economic growth; Economic policy; Economic Progress; Economic research; Georgia; Higher education; Industrial policy; Industry; Innovation; Interviews; Leadership; Missouri; Negotiation; Partnerships in Education; Postsecondary education; Public Policy; R&D; Research & development; Research and Development; School Business Relationship; Science; Science and Society; science and technology; Sciences; State Policy; States; Technology; Texas; Universities; University business relationship; University research; United States; Texas; Missouri; Georgia; United States > US
• ISSN: 1360-080X; 1469-9508
• DOI: 10.1080/1360080X.2014.884678

As economic competition becomes more global and knowledge-based, US states have independently pursued initiatives in research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T). Policy efforts often entwine government, universities, and industry, aiming to stimulate socially optimal levels of innovation and economic growth. Partnerships in this arena are well documented, but few studies foreground first-person accounts of policy dynamics. Through comparative case study of Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, we present perspectives of government, university, and industry leaders, who form and negotiate boundaries and roles for collaboration. We find that (1) S&T competition has been distinct from national initiatives and more domestic than global; (2) the three states feature similar policies but have evolved 'new economy' approaches idiosyncratically; and (3) universities in these states have driven endeavours, evincing specific industry/corporate perspectives. Themes suggest competition - not collaboration - within a national-innovation system and intriguing yet challenging opportunities for academic leaders and managers.