Stanford President John Hennessy and other leaders say strong research universities key to U.S. prosperity

A new report says research institutions are in danger of serious decline unless the federal government, states and industry take steps to ensure adequate and stable funding.

What can be done to help America’s research universities maintain stellar programs that lead to better jobs, a stronger middle class, technological advances and overall prosperity and national security?

A group of CEOs, thought leaders and university presidents – including Stanford’s John Hennessy – outlined its recommendations in a new report released Thursday by the National Research Council.

The report, requested by congressional leaders worried about the competitiveness of America’s universities, suggests 10 actions the nation should take in the next decade to maintain top-quality institutions.

It says research institutions are in danger of serious decline unless the federal government, states and industry take steps to ensure adequate and stable funding.

At the same time, the report says universities must meet goals to contain costs, enhance productivity and improve opportunities for faculty and students to create highly productive careers.

"We have a long and rich tradition of innovation in this country, but if we are to remain a global leader in this century, we must find ways to increase support for our research universities," Hennessy said. "Education and research – and the discoveries and advances in science and technology that result – are key in today’s knowledge-based economy."

The report notes the strong and sustained support universities have had with federal and state governments, and their partnership with industries. It says those ties have positioned the institutions to be the best in the world.

More recently, however, the universities have endured pressure from economic challenges, global competitors, changing demographics and evolving technologies.

Federal funding for research has flattened or declined, and state funding for research institutions has dropped by 25 percent to as much as 50 percent in some cases, the report says. U.S. colleges also have had to raise tuition.

At the same time, other countries have increased funding for research and development and are pouring significant resources into their own institutions.