How City–University Networks Fuel Local Innovation, Growth, and Creativity

• In Event: 14.045 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 14.045-12 - The Role of Networks and Partnerships in Education

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of a case study of Birmingham, Alabama, a mid-sized city in the Southeastern United States. Our findings suggest the need for additional empirical data and analysis regarding the role of the university as part of city development. Higher education is touted as part of the success stories of major high technology centers such as Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. Our results suggest that these successes may not easily translate into urban environments. The rewards, incentives, and norms of a research university may limit the ability of the university to provide substantial civic leadership on par with other organizations in the nonprofit sector.

Authors

• Michael S. Harris, Southern Methodist University

• Karri A. Holley, The University of Alabama