The University as an Engine for Economic Growth - The University of ...

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Shifting economic realities will require Universities to develop new business models and adopt New performance standards in order to maintain excellence. The Akron Model 5
The Akron Model: A New Path for Universities in the 21st Century New Realities Shifting economic realities will require universities to adopt new business models and performance standards in order to maintain excellence. Institutions that embrace the guiding principles of relevance, connectivity and productivity will strengthen the economic vitality of their communities and, at the same time, improve their own long-term competitive and comparative advantages. Self-regenerating feedback cycles have long existed between most universities and their communities, but recent seismic rumbles of economic and technological change have made it abundantly clear that institutions must serve not only as anchors for regional economies, but also as stimulators, facilitators and connectors. New Roles In many regions, universities have the greatest institutional capacity to improve the human condition. This potential is manifested through multiple touch points: thought leaders, conveners, credentialers, assessors, entrepreneurs, and knowledge/technology creators and distributors. Institutions that fully commit their assets to these roles contribute to the formation of all varieties of capital, e.g. creative, knowledge, human, social, financial and natural capital. Such utilization, however, requires active and enterprising engagement. New Framework The University of Akron has ascertained that university engagement is best enabled by a framework founded upon the principles of relevance, connectivity and productivity. Relevance is demonstrated when tangible benefits are delivered to communities across the full spectrum of disciplines, and by the creation of interdisciplinary teams to solve problems facing the region and the world. This relevance is expressed through a university’s connectivity with community and institutional partners. Connectivity is characterized by nontraditional, often novel collaborations that are entrepreneurial in design and function, and which positively impact the innovation ecosystem. Finally, a commitment to relevance and connectivity yields increased productivity, which can be measured through scaled and normalized metrics that focus on value-added, rather than exclusion-based data, or on output per unit of input. sparking INNOVATION 6 2010 - 2011 Report to the Community
Page 1 and 2: The AKRON MODEL The University as a
Page 3: A Model for Higher Education Engage
Page 7 and 8: University of Akron Research Founda
Page 9: National Inventors Hall of Fame Sch
Page 12 and 13: Akron’s History of Collaboration
Page 14 and 15: The need was urgent. By 1942, the J
Page 16 and 17: 2010-2011: A Year of Successes Stud
Page 18 and 19: University Success College of Engin
Page 20 and 21: Athletic Success UA Men’s Soccer:
Page 22 and 23: Student Success UA Representatives
Page 24 and 25: Community Success AECHS Receives Hi
Page 26 and 27: Degrees Awarded by Type* Associates

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