A Dynamically Engaged University, Knowledge Spillovers, and the Local Economy

An engaged university is deeply embedded in its local community, entwined in various economic, social, and professional networks over which creative and innovative ideas circulate. In keeping with its core mission of education, an engaged university can leverage these networks by implementing a research agenda designed to gain a better understanding of the propagation and exchange of ideas over the networks in which it operates. We refer to a university that has adopted such an agenda as a dynamically engaged university. Guided by a strategic plan that recognizes and supports the study of networks, a dynamically engaged university is then positioned to effectively differentiate itself from online education, local community colleges, and less community-oriented universities. By promoting education focused on networks, the dynamically engaged university spurs local economic growth in ways not previously explored.