"Reinventing the Research University: A Blueprint for the University of Rhode Island," written in March 1999, is a foundation for discussions about URI as a research university. It wasn't widely circulated or discussed within the University but it did catch the attention of the RI Economic Policy Council, where it was seen as a problem statement, but not as a path toward solutions. If the problem was underfunding of research, the solution required understanding of how much more money was needed (i.e., what is normal?) and suggestions on how money should be spent (i.e., what's the best investment?). (PDF)

"Research Benchmarks: Funding University Research Operations and Infrastructure," was thus commissioned by the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council out of a belief that URI's capacity as a research university—vital to the future of the state's economy—is weak, due to underinvestment. The paper provides a clear picture of the University's diminishing support from the State and a comparison of URI to the nation's research universities. If Rhode Island wants to make normal per capita investments in research operations and infrastructure, it now knows the appropriate benchmarks. The paper also suggests targets for investment, in both research capacity and in capacity to link the University more directly to the economy through technology commercialization and research and development parks.

The complete report and a summary were used to create an EPC document and website. .