Abstract

BEMENT JR, Arden L  and  PHILLIPS DIAZ, Angela. A historical perspective regarding US public research universities. Ing. Investig. [online]. 2011, vol.31, suppl.1, pp.112-120. ISSN 0120-5609.

The 21^st century is a time of both great promise and great anxiety. Economic institutions, technological tools and societal aspirations connect us all globally. We share a pivotal role in common; research universities around the globe have this and can continue to play it in economic development through people, knowledge, knowhow and facilities. The current economic climate is manifest in increasing pressure on research universities to expand their impact by fostering innovation leading to the creation of new industries and jobs whilst also developing a proficient workforce and the next generation of leaders, whether in academia, government, industry or nonprofit areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical context regarding several broad developments that have shaped the role of US research universities in relationship to the economy. Purdue university is used as case study to illustrate the specific challenges and opportunities which it has experienced over many decades during its growth and evolution as a research university. We would also like to join in celebrating the Universidad Nacional de Colombia's School of Engineering's150year tradition in technology and innovation. We hope this paper provides some vision regarding the future of engineering education within a global economic context.

Keywords : research university; innovation; engineering education.

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