John Harris, associate provost, Samford University Three forces bringing changes in the relationship between colleges and universities and industry are low unemployment, technology and globalization. With record low unemployment, students hold the driver's seat in launching their careers. The pace of technology is moving faster than the speed of light and technology is joining forces with globalization. They are intrinsically linked. It means an expanded customer base.
Technology enhanced globalization also leads to big questions.
This revolution in technology and globalization is new for us. In the last 20 years the relationship between industry and the university has been loosely coupled. We survived on our own terms. But we now have to look at new ways to approach the relationship. For some challenges, we need better ideas.