University Technology To Market

Abstract

Over the last century, the U.S. university system and its R&D infrastructure has become one of the world’s most advanced and powerful sources of research, and invention. However, increasingly its inefficiency in translating its huge backlog of innovations is being questioned. New pathways are being investigated to harness the benefits of research for greater societal good. Universities are challenged by simultaneously advancing the frontiers of basic human knowledge and teaching the next generation. Some ways to address those challenges are discussed in this chapter. Key differences between public and private university approaches are brought out. Finally, a case is made that it may be time to start thinking of structuring the university system around the three different and distinct functions: spreading education, fundamental scientific research, and applied R&D with a view to innovate new products, technologies and solutions.