A New Role for Land Grant Universities in the Rural Innovation Ecosystem?

In this article, we examine the issue of economic inequality in the rural United States and its connection to limited opportunities to create wealth through innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Reasons as to why this situation exists are investigated. We then explore the current role played by land grant universities in fostering rural innovation and its limitations. A new vision for eective land grant university participation in this arena of economic development is oered. We conclude by suggesting some actions that might jump-start this new role.