Impact of Information Technology for the Future of the Research University

GUIRR has taken a lead role in a Policy and Global Affairs and Academies-wide study, Impact of Information Technology on the Future of the Research University. The project builds on a 1997 Academies Symposium A Dialogue on Research Universities’ Futures, held during the annual Woods Hole retreat of the Academies’ Governing Board. The input of GUIRR’s University-Industry Partners, who represent a variety of locations and institutional structures, forms part of the foundation of this project.

Under the leadership of NAE President Bill Wulf, an exploratory project sponsored by the National Academies was established. The project steering committee, chaired by University of Michigan President Emeritus James Duderstadt, first met in February 2000 to outline the project and study scenarios. Following a series of meetings during 2000, a workshop was held on January 22-23, 2001 at the National Academies in Washington, D.C. With over 60 leading experts from university and industry participating, the workshop sought to bring out important issues related to the transformative power of information technology on the research university. Further information on the workshop is available by clicking the link below. Video of the first day of the workshop is available for viewing at the Research Channel (www.researchchannel.com/) through its On Demand Library. The project is currently in a transitional phase, seeking additional funding to continue and broadly expand the dialogue and address key issues, many of which were identified in the workshop.