1. How should the university research "agenda" for the next century differ from today?
It should be: more applied, more connected to the
outside (partnerships, technology transfer, etc.), more integrated
with instruction, cross disciplinary and more collaborative beyond
the wall.
2. How should the research "agenda" drive the
development of and investment in technology?
In so far as research becomes integrated with instruction, it
should create a new and higher benchmark for a new base line in
technology investment. Outside this integration, research must be
considered extra and drive investment in technology when consistent
with the university' ambition.
3. What aspects of research are most
susceptible to the use of supporting technology?
Research is most susceptible of supporting technology in two ways:
1) achieving success at accomplishing its new research agenda as
described in 1 above, and 2) at achieving quantum improvements in the
research product itself.
4. How can/should technology drive the research "agenda?"
Technology should not in and of itself drive the research agenda.
But it may do so passively by creating new opportunities; new
research environments, new research questions, and new research
tools.
X. What institutional/individual/collaborative
actions are possible in the next year to better achieve this
vision?
At least two actions are possible: 1) as individuals we may
clarify/publicize the new NSF agenda on our campuses (this would
provide an incentive to accomplish the changes noted under 1 above),
2) both individually and collaboratively work to get campus
leadership informed and involved, and 3) develop a grant proposal to
sponsor a study aimed at delineating a minimally acceptable baseline
for the technology infrastructure necessary to support the proposed
more integrated research and teaching environment.
Y. How will success or failure be observed?
Success or failure will be observed by noting wheather we have: 1) improved ability to recruit and retain faculty, staff and students, 2) increase success at securing sponsored programming, grants, and awards, 3) enhanced performance in the areas listed under number 1 above, 4) develop sustainability of the technology infrastructure environment, 5) improve the continuing involvement of alumni, and 6) made a positive impact on the changing notion of the academy.