The Value of Research-Intensive Universities
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The Value of Research-Intensive Universities
Driving innovation
Research-intensive universities are among the most valuable assets a society can invest in. In an increasingly unpredictable and fast-changing world, where existing knowledge quickly becomes outdated, these institutions play a vital role in preparing societies for the future. Their ability to generate new ideas, adapt to emerging challenges, and develop innovative approaches makes them essential to national resilience and progress.
Research generates new value
For decades, the IARU Universities and their partners have fostered excellence in research, education and service. Yet in most, or all, of our respective countries there is an increasing demand to justify the expenditure on research, education and universities generally in terms of economic benefit.
It is clear to us that research-intensive universities bring substantial economic benefit to society in multiple ways, direct and indirect. They also bring much more. Through their research, academics make new discoveries and create new understanding. These are essential for advancement and progress in almost any field of human endeavour.
Standard metrics do not fully capture what IARU sees as the special value of research-intensive universities: the concentration of research, education, and technology transfer in one place, creating a critical mass of top researchers and students, advanced infrastructure, and an innovative spirit. These elements are only partially reflected in simple input/output metrics.
The true value lies in how these elements interact to form a “Knowledge Ecosystem.” IARU argues that any comprehensive understanding of research-intensive universities must include this ecosystem.
Interconnected Value Streams
Universities generate and transmit knowledge while applying it to benefit society. Their value streams are interconnected, creating impact beyond their individual roles.
Modern universities pursue a “third mission”: contributing to socio-economic development. In the “triple helix” model, they partner with Government and Industry to drive innovation and growth.
As society increasingly looks to universities to help address global challenges, interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration becomes essential. Funders and policymakers now expect sustainable, real-world impact that crosses disciplinary boundaries.
IARU sees university value in three streams: Research, Education, and Technology Transfer.
Production and distribution of new knowledge through articles, publication and access to research
The knowledge and 'soft skills' of candidates
Collaboration with the outside world, hiring of graduates by industry, consultancy, patent/licensing/spinoff companies
A new way of describing the special value of research intensive universities
Though research, education, and knowledge exchange can be measured separately, IARU emphasizes their real value lies in their interaction. These streams co-exist and enrich one another, generating greater value together than alone.
This creates a dynamic ecosystem: societal and industry challenges inspire research, students engage in research, companies benefit from graduates, and knowledge flows in and out of the university through partnerships, internships, and outreach.
This makes research-intensive universities uniquely able to:
In other words, they contribute not only to what we live from, but also to what we live for.
The ecosystem is also resilient: even if a research project fails, it still trains students and researchers – this, too, is value.
To fully reflect the worth of research-intensive universities, IARU calls for real-life stories that show the ecosystem in action – stories that go beyond metrics. As IARU members, we commit to sharing these stories and promoting a broader understanding of university value—one that recognizes the transformative power of the knowledge ecosystem.
IARU Position Paper
Download the IARU Position Paper on the special value of research-intensive universities