Michigan’s three research universities are worth a strong investment from the state if they continue to create new economic activity that leads to new jobs.
Indeed, the university presidents might say, “Bring it on.”
Last spring the presidents of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University made the rounds urging leaders and lawmakers to recognize their status as a “research corridor” and the economic catalyst they can and do provide.
Earlier this month, the three research universities released a study they commissioned on their economic impact on the state.
It’s not small.
The Anderson Economic Group’s four-month review found that the schools combine to create nearly 69,000 Michigan jobs and produced nearly $13 billion in net economic benefit in 2006.
Michigan State President Lou Anna Simon noted last week that the schools had not intended to release their report while the Legislature was embroiled in its struggle to finalize a 2008 budget.
