University research necessary to nation’s success, report finds
New findings by the National Research Council show that more attention and resources need to be funneled to the nation’s research universities in order to ensure the United States' future economic viability. In fact, according to the new report, U.S. research universities “are in danger of serious decline unless the federal government, states, and industry take action to ensure adequate, stable funding in the next decade.”
The report, which was commissioned by Congress, has noted 10 steps the nation should take over the next five to 10 years to ensure that the U.S. maintains some of the world’s top research universities. The steps are based on three broader goals the committee sees as top priorities in the push to maintain and promote the status of U.S. research universities. Those larger goals include “revitalizing the partnership” between government, universities, philanthropic and community groups, and the business community; “strengthening” research colleges and universities; and fostering talent for work in the field of science, engineering, medicine, and other areas, while also attracting top students from around the world.
“The talent, innovative ideas, and new technologies produced by U.S. research universities have led to some of our finest national achievements, from the modern agricultural revolution to the accessibility of the World Wide Web,” said Charles O. Holliday Jr., chairman of the board of Bank of America and chair of the committee that scribed the report. “Especially in these tough economic times, the nation cannot afford to defer investment in our best asset for building prosperity and success in the future.”
The 10 recommendations for keeping the nation’s research universities at top tier status include federal action, state action, strengthening partnerships with industry, boosting university productivity, a strategic investment program in initiatives at research institutions, full federal funding of university research, the promotion of STEM subjects and increased diversity in those areas, as well as the revamping of graduate education.
