Clinical practice is another essential activity of most APRU members. Opportunities for time-shifting, access to specialized facilities and expertise are all of clear value to APRU members. A prime example of this is represented by limited access to supercomputing resources in many APRU institutions and excess capacity in supercomputing resources in other APRU members. Another key opportunity for sharing is represented by access to library resources. Such partnerships can be leveraged to the joint benefit of the commercial partners, the APRU institutions, and the APEC nations.
Education is an increasingly important component of international trade.
The significance of this trade value will be greatly enhanced with the spread of distance learning across national boundaries. Imbalances here, combined with other global economic conditions, may lead to tariffs and educational trade wars. APRU can provide a forum for future APEC discussions about education trade issues and work towards Educational Free Trade Agreements. A challenge in facilitating international distance learning, international collaboration, and more generally e-commerce is the lack of appreciation for cultural diversity. Ministries of education, telecommunications, trade and industry, culture, and perhaps defense would all have to modify some of their policies.