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The US Research University – Systemic Limits of a Model

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  • Stephan Bieri
  • Franz Lehner

Abstract

The US research university is a very successful model of higher edudaction and research. We examine its core elements and follow the current discussion on a necessary reform. Focusing on the institutional structure, we review possible causes of shortcomings and frictions. During the last 50 to 60 years the environment of the research university changed. The single institution has become highly dependend on federal and industrial grants and of undergraduates’ fees. This process has transformed the internal organization as well as the interaction with important stakeholders. It also had an effect on the relationship between university and faculty. As a result, the scientific production has grown reamarkably but not necessarily the overall competivity. We discuss the systemic challenges that threaten the US university landscape and its contribution to scientific progress and innovation.

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  • Stephan Bieri & Franz Lehner, 2014. "The US Research University – Systemic Limits of a Model," CREMA Working Paper Series 2014-15, Center for Research in Economics, Management and the Arts (CREMA).
    • Handle: RePEc:cra:wpaper:2014-15
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ulrich Witt, 2003. "The Evolving Economy," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2477.
    2. Nelson, Andrew J., 2012. "Putting university research in context: Assessing alternative measures of production and diffusion at Stanford," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(4), pages 678-691.
    3. Witt, Ulrich, 2011. "Emergence and functionality of organizational routines: an individualistic approach," Journal of Institutional Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 7(2), pages 157-174, June.
    4. Ulrich Witt, 2008. "What is specific about evolutionary economics?," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 18(5), pages 547-575, October.
    5. Åstebro, Thomas & Bazzazian, Navid & Braguinsky, Serguey, 2012. "Startups by recent university graduates and their faculty: Implications for university entrepreneurship policy," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(4), pages 663-677.
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    Keywords

    Research university; US system of higher education; institutional structure;
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