Title: The university as the engine of growth: an analysis of how universities can contribute to the economy

Authors: Harm-Jan Steenhuis, Denis O. Gray

Addresses: Eastern Washington University, College of Business and Public Administration, 668 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Suite A, Spokane, WA 99202-1677, USA. ' North Carolina State University, Department of Psychology, Psychology in the Public Interest Program, Raleigh, NC 27695–7801, USA

Abstract: In many of the industrially advanced nations, particularly in the USA, there is an increasing emphasis on the role of the university for economic and technological development. This study explores the link between the university and economic development. Firstly, based on the existing literature it is argued whether universities are a necessary and/or sufficient condition for economic growth. Then, the effect of universities on the regional economy is explored. Lastly, based on empirical data, how universities can improve the impact on the regional economy is discussed. Suggestions for future research are also given.

Keywords: economic development; technological development; technology transfer; universities; regional economy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2006.013347

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2006 Vol.5 No.4, pp.421 - 432

Published online: 21 Apr 2007 *

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