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Abstract
As economic competition becomes more global and knowledge-based, US states have independently pursued initiatives in research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T). Policy efforts often entwine government, universities, and industry, aiming to stimulate socially optimal levels of innovation and economic growth. Partnerships in this arena are well documented, but few studies foreground first-person accounts of policy dynamics. Through comparative case study of Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, we present perspectives of government, university, and industry leaders, who form and negotiate boundaries and roles for collaboration. We find that (1) S&T competition has been distinct from national initiatives and more domestic than global; (2) the three states feature similar policies but have evolved ‘new economy’ approaches idiosyncratically; and (3) universities in these states have driven endeavours, evincing specific industry/corporate perspectives. Themes suggest competition – not collaboration – within a national-innovation system and intriguing yet challenging opportunities for academic leaders and managers.
Acknowledgements
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, November 2012. This material is based upon work supported by the US National Science Foundation under Grant No. SBE-0738130. Opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The authors gratefully acknowledge the research assistance of Troy Smith and the helpful comments of Sheila Slaughter, Marvin Titus, and the editor and reviewers for this journal.