Michigan's University Research Corridor (URC) institutions continue to rank among the top research innovation clusters in the nation in producing the high-tech, high-demand talent required for the 21st century, according to a recent benchmarking report. Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour said the report highlights that the three universities are on the right path. "Our URC institutions have a lot to be proud of," he said. "Our combined research and economic impact continue to help Michigan move in the right direction. We must continue to work and innovate for the long term success of our state." Major findings from the report include: URC institutions conferred more high-tech and high-demand degrees (18,277) than any other university cluster except for Pennsylvania. Total research and development expenditures by the seven university clusters totaled approximately $13.7 billion in 2010, making up about 22 percent of R&D expenditures by all U.S. universities. The URC ranked fourth in U.S. patents granted, and fifth in invention disclosures, licenses and options granted, and licensing revenue ($37 million), when comparing its 2006-2010 average annual technology transfer activities to the peer university clusters. The URC has a net economic impact on Michigan's economy of $15.2 billion.

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http://news.yahoo.com/benchmark-study-michigan-research-universities-rank-among-nations-173206522.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CV0AqlPC0cASarQtDMD
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