Institutional Motivation and Policy Change Associated with Land Grant Institutions' Involvement in Economic Development. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.

A study investigated: (1) the degree of land grant institution involvement in economic development activity, defined in terms of 17 selected cooperative research and technology exchange activities; (2) changes in selected academic policies (patents, consulting, conflict of interest, conflict of commitment, and extra compensation); and (3) the factors responsible for encouraging or discouraging increased institutional involvement in economic development activity. It was hypothesized that size of operating budget, geographic region, and differences between historically black and other institutions would account for significant differences in level of involvement in economic development. Data were drawn from two surveys of the chief academic officers of the 71 United States land grant colleges and universities; missing and supplemental data were obtained from a reference publication. As of the time of preparation of this paper, neither data gathering nor analysis are yet complete, but results so far indicate increased institutional involvement in these institutions, which have a somewhat common charter mission emphasizing public service. However, the range of responses indicates that factors influencing such involvement varies considerably. Additional research, particularly regarding the possible link between increased involvement and expanded funding, is recommended. Includes 25 references. (MSE)