Abstract

A study of 20 University-Industry Cooperative Research Centers has identified seven major phases in the generation and development process of these centers. Data for the study was gathered from case histories of the centers, and a research instrument administered to center directors and evaluators, followed by individual interviewers. The study identified 28 barriers and 25 facilitators to the development of a center. The analysis of the data showed that there are general patterns of development applicable to UICRCs. These can be studied and analyzed by phase of development. There are necessary conditions for the genesis and growth of a center. These include: champion for the center in the university; industrial interest in technical advances; support from NSF; interest and participation from quality faculty and students; ability to generate funding from other sources; and the ability of directors to balance their "science" and their "management." Recommendations for policies and strategy for UICRCs are given, and further research is suggested, particularly in generation and testing of quantitative measures for a center's genesis and development.


Click on the link below for the final report in pdf.
geisler_furino_kiresuk_0588.pdf