ChiefNode

Universities and privatization

Yet another book is examining the role of the private world and public universities. Specifically mentioned is patents, commercialization of research, contracting services, etc.

I'll be curious to read what the new ideas are in this book. Certainly universities (as a whole) have become more "corporate." Some companies have become more "educational". (Read The Rise of the Creative Class to see how the "creative types" thrive in open, encouraging cultures.) As more individuals move between company and university employment, more companies interact with universities and desire the elements they usually receive from other companies, and state support decreases, universities are surrounded by corporations.

Universities want to be good citizens, and get along with their communities. They want to find ways to successfully interact. While primarily anecdotal and containing recommendations which do not solve the "problems" nor work well for their communities, University, Inc. contains an interesting "history" of university - industry relations. There are cycles. There are changes over time.

All corporations (whether for- or non- profit) live in the economic ecosystem. The elements must be examined together.

My 2 cents.

posted by Dana Bostrom @ 21:18