Title: Enhancement of technological infrastructure through federal investment: lessons from the Morrill Act

Authors: Daniel Eugene Williams

Addresses: Global Advanced Engineering, TRW Commercial Steering Systems, P.O. Box 60, Lafayette, IN 47902, USA

Abstract: Through the Morrill Act, the United States| technological infrastructure was intentionally and substantially enhanced by each state receiving a federal land grant supporting practical collegiate instruction. The act was a successful application of federalist governing principles as states retained significant authority in compliance with a broad and rather ambiguous federal mandate. The nature of the mandate was viewed by opponents as an unprecedented extension of federal powers but the act was carefully crafted to obtain long-term political support and in retrospect it is seen as responsible, limited federalism. This work presents the essential historical background regarding the Morrill Act and then draws five conclusions with modern day relevance.

Keywords: engineering education; Morrill Act; federalism; technology policy; technological infrastructure; federal investment; technology investment; federal government; USA; United States.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2009.032049

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2009 Vol.9 No.4, pp.317 - 330

Published online: 05 Mar 2010 *

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