US University Research Centers as Bases for Industry-University Collaboration

ABSTRACT

Many US research universities have established University Research Centers (URC) that integrate different specialized fields. The funding URCs receive from businesses represents a large share of the industry support provided to universities, and in this sense the funding plays an important role in research and education. Researchers participate at these URCs by moving across existing departments and faculties.

Federal and state governments are supporting the establishment and operation of URCs. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently the largest federal supporter, and reviews in three stages: the idea stage, the planning stage for establishing the center, and the planning stage for actual management. In terms of applications, the NSF clearly stipulates its requirements such as the center structure, the university and industry’s commitment, and the university’s responsibilities, and supports the centers from the planning stage. In addition, it holds an annual general meeting as a forum for sharing best practices and individual problems among the centers.

The Japanese government should also make efforts to improve the performance of industry-university collaborative projects by emphasizing management in the evaluation of research projects, and by sharing the results with universities and industry. It is risky for companies to independently conduct exploratory research using their own researchers and funds. Rather, there should be participation from multiple companies at a university base, funding from the government, and research that makes full use of the leverage effect. A deep commitment to invest superior talent into the planning and implementation of the project then becomes necessary.