January 28, 2005

University partnerships power new economy

Victor L. Lechtenberg,
Purdue vice provost for engagement

There is a new economy today. It is sweeping the world — and it is driven by science and technology. States and communities that hope to succeed in this knowledge-intensive economy do so by partnering with major universities.

In Massachusetts, MIT is responsible for 1,000 companies being headquartered in the state. In Seattle, an amazing 70 percent of all companies have a direct relationship to the University of Washington. The impact of Stanford on the Silicon Valley, and Duke, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State on the Research Triangle is well documented.

Muncie also is fortunate to have a partner in Ball State University. Ball State is led by administrators and faculty who believe in partnerships between the public and private sectors and higher education. Ontario Place Park, one of Indiana's newer certified technology parks, is flourishing thanks to the support Ball State has pledged and is delivering.

Companies in the park like Pathologists Associated, a full-service medical laboratory, and Ontario Systems LLC, a software developer for receivables management, are reaping the benefits of Ball State's proximity. Through the service of Ball State experts on company boards and with project development, student intern assistance and marketing support, these companies continue to thrive and offer job growth for Muncie.

Ball State is not only a great partner for economic development in Muncie, it enjoys a strong partnership with Purdue University. As a leading research university with world-class strengths in agriculture, pharmacy, science, technology, engineering and management, Purdue is ideally situated to be an engine powering Indiana's success. The Purdue Research Park, which has been ranked number one in the nation by the Association of University Research Parks, serves as a model for certified technology parks throughout Indiana.

Another model for interdisciplinary research and education, Discovery Park, enables Purdue faculty and students to tackle the complex scientific and technological problems that will change the way we live and work. Ball State can be an important partner to Discovery Park. For example, a grant from the Regenstrief Foundation enables Discovery Park researchers to apply process-engineering principles, such as supply-chain management and just-in-time manufacturing, to health-care delivery. Muncie community leaders have reached out to the Purdue Regenstrief Center by organizing a recent meeting at Ball State to discuss how Ball State can contribute.

Improving health-care delivery is a multidimensional challenge through which Indiana’s universities, industry and government must come together to provide national leadership. Purdue also wants to help Muncie move forward in other key areas of economic development. We look forward to working even more closely with Ball State to use our collective resources in a partnership that will be beneficial to Muncie and all of Indiana.

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