When the first author was at New Mexico State University (NMSU), the president often stated that three types of universities would exist in the future:
Given the need for economic development and revitalization and increasing global competitiveness, the authors believe that, contrary to prevailing thinking, many more universities and colleges across the country can, and should be of the second type; such universities should pursue increased involvement in research and development with their local communities. Through such outreach, they will become engines of economic opportunity and innovation in a way that enlivens the educational process and builds entrepreneurial leaders. Employers expect that graduates, no matter what their discipline, will have the experience and skill sets to function on the cutting edge of technology. This, then, is a set of papers that explores some of the most efficient and rewarding processes to achieve the goal of becoming a partnered research university or college. The authors will explore challenge- or theme-based interdisciplinary research cluster development, strategic hiring, open laboratories, and technology transfer – issues that are of most value to emerging research universities that want to become great research and educational partners; furthermore, the authors describe methods of implementing this change efficiently and in a timely manner.