In a July 2026 comment letter published by Issues in Science and Technology, Eion Lys discusses why American research universities should strategically develop and implement activities uniquely connecting and supporting their home communities, states, and regions.
Regular creation, operation, and revision of such programs can help universities optimize and grow the local economic and societal benefits they provide, and increase public confidence in their missions. By contrast, the lack of effective regional strategy risks isolation and decreasing trust in the higher education sector.
Read the full comment here.