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how did the wisconsin idea lay the foundation for further reforms
what was the wisconsin idea
The Wisconsin Idea is the policy developed in the U.S. state of Wisconsin that fosters public universities' contributions to the state.
how did the wisconsin idea foster public universities' contributions to the state
The Wisconsin Idea holds that university research should be applied to solve problems and improve health, quality of life, the environment, and agriculture for all citizens of the state.

Question: who came up with the idea
Self-contained rewrite: who came up with the wisconsin idea