University Research Can Make a Difference in the Arizona Economy

Where can university research help most in bolstering economic development in Arizona? For Arizona to generate high-paying jobs, it will have to focus its universities on six key strengths, from electronics and optics to chemistry and space sciences, and track their progress for the long term. That's the conclusion of two new reports on the economic potential of science and technology research at Arizona's universities. The Ohio-based Battelle Memorial Institute and the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University.

The reports say that Arizona can become a leader in these areas:

• Communications. Arizona's strengths in electronics and optics, computer modeling and simulation, chemistry and materials, and space sciences could yield advances in communications and in microsatellites.

• Information technology. Research in electronics, computer modeling and chemistry areas can give Arizona an edge in the software and materials that will be needed for "anywhere, anytime" use of the Internet.

• Bioengineering. This field taps nearly all the core competencies, plus Arizona's strength in biosciences, and could develop the use of optics in medicine, implantable devices and neural engineering.

• Sustainable systems. This is everything from environmentally friendly factories to new construction materials that don't require a lot of energy to make and are biodegradable. Although in the early stages, Arizona could use its strengths in ecological sciences and agriculture and plant sciences to create and lead this market.

Article link.

Arizona Science and Technology Council website.