Research-Education Society

Research Universities and the Public Good: Discovery for an Uncertain Future

Recent years have witnessed funding cuts for universities, both at the state and federal levels. Due to economic factors beyond its control (like the Great Recession), research dollars from governmental sources have shrunk, and research budgets from industry have not risen. Industry’s and government’s interests differ in more immediate monetary applications versus long-term social gains. Someone must pay for university work, and oftentimes, that someone is the individual student and her/his family.

Owen-Smith, a professor of sociology, seeks to make a sophisticated argument that research dollars are generally well-spent. He argues that universities are sources of new knowledge that lead to economic vibrancy, anchors for their communities that deserve support, and hubs of activity that drive society forward. These three metaphors serve as the foundational outline for his conclusion.

I’m concerned that Owen-Smith’s arguments might be viewed as a bit of self-trumpeting in the academic community (as it argues little that isn’t voiced elsewhere) and as a bit too nebulous for the business community (as it admittedly does not roll out in a few simple policy suggestions). This book seems to argue that in-depth research performed by human soul matters to society, not just in an ideal sense but in a practical one.

He seems to dance around this research-to-pragmatics association over and over again instead of just stating it and arguing for it directly. Complexity, instead, shadows and obscures his perspective. Although that style makes for interesting discourse (in the way of academe), it does not hit the sweet spot of the business community. In the end, the argument would be more effective were it to distill itself into a few specifics in the conclusion.

Through the threefold lens of universities as sources, anchors, and hubs, Owen-Smith calls for a rekindling of discussion about “the public good” that supports as infrastructure the ability of the private sphere to thrive. Although his argument is not simple and easy, detailed historical examples buttress his position. Those looking for long-term societal flourishing should take note.

Research Universities and the Public Good: Discovery for an Uncertain Future
By Jason Owen-Smith
Copyright (c) 2018
Stanford University Press
ISBN13 9781503601949
Page Count: 213
Genre: Business, Research
www.amazon.com