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The university's Janus face: The innovation–inequality nexus

Author

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  • Richard Florida
  • Ruben Gaetani

Abstract

The university is a key source of talent and a key driver of innovation and economic growth in a knowledge‐based economy. But, in performing these economic functions, it also contributes to economic and spatial inequality. Our research uses a variety of new data to examine this Janus face of the university in innovation and inequality across U.S. metro areas. We find evidence that the university plays a role in both regional innovation, boosting local patenting and startup companies, and in economic inequality, with higher rates of income and occupational segregation in metros with highly rated universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Florida & Ruben Gaetani, 2020. "The university's Janus face: The innovation–inequality nexus," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(6), pages 1097-1112, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:41:y:2020:i:6:p:1097-1112
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.2938
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Elena De la Poza & Paloma Merello & Antonio Barberá & Alberto Celani, 2021. "Universities’ Reporting on SDGs: Using THE Impact Rankings to Model and Measure Their Contribution to Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-28, February.

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