Higher Education: Private Sector Linkages for Economic Development

Abstract

The following report from the Task Force on Higher Education is in two parts: An overview of other state programs of higher education-business interaction to foster economic development and recommendations for specific action by the 1987 Kansas Legislature. Our recommendations to the Commission deal with specific mechanisms and systems to enhance economic development by fostering a closer link between Kansas industry and higher education. In the ultimate, however, the most productive contribution that higher education can make to long run economic development is to undertake its basic mission of teaching and research at the highest quality level. It is evident that a large number of states have reiterated their basic funding commitment to higher education in recent years for this reason. As noted in the Kansas Economic Development Study, one of Kansas' few major strengths for building its economy lies in its excellent higher education system. We strongly urge that a commitment be made to insure this strength is maintained and strengthened.