University-Industry Research Pooling for Cluster Development

Clusters are "communities" of like mined organizations and stakeholders that share similarities in characteristics. These similarities also create opportunities for shared R&D among multiple organizations at the same time (They build others they build themselves). For example, the Aerospace Industry and the Navy might have shared needs as they relate to a new tool or a new product design made from rare metal. All of that requires some level of effort and offering opportunities for business to pool their resources so researchers find solutions to industry problems. 

That of course doesn't mean companies can't research issues on their own (Flying solo might work for specific patents but doesn't work well for industry breaking technologies that unlock doors to unknown future industries.). They would then be focused more on specific application of industry research for their own needs (...leading to patents, products and wealth specialized to that company). However, when we are dealing with mutual shared interest in research that benefits manufacturers and other societal stakeholders there really isn't much of a reason not to do it and hedge the skills and knowledge of different companies to investigate and resolve issues that impact multiple industries at one time (Remember that when we solve industry problems and then specific application within particular companies we lead to US, and other partaking stakeholders, leading industries and world economies. It would be helpful us to have a tax system that encourages R&D and turns companies doing business in the US. to moving their headquarters to the U.S. leading to further intellectual dominance. See Calibrated Tax Structure MNC Draw and Calibrated Tax Structure HQ Concept.  and 15% International Tax Floor).

Here are a few benefits of pooled cluster research. 

1. Location Enhances Innovation: Locating R&D and university research in the same space and on the same problems increased problem solving and the wider applicability of findings for national development. See Fostering New Discoveries See Location and Growth

2. It Creates Shared Competencies and Like Minded Rationality. See Hub Competencies

3. It Creates Opportunities for Skilled Labor: Cutting edge products also create opportunities for advanced labor knowledge. See Firm Specific Human Capital.

4.) It allows business researchers to try out ideas and then apply those ideas to other clusters throughout the country. Localized and Regional Hub Benefits

As a nation we will want to ensure that we stay on top of competition and be that country where real innovative magic happens (perhaps as part of a global brand in alignment with our core principles. Much of culture was spread through commerce.). That may require us adjusting how we think of university-research relationships in an effort to solve practical problems. We are building not only a nation but also a network of other nations and allies that may also benefit through contribution. It is an opportunity to put our STEM knowledge to work in created business and social benefits through wider global supply chains.