SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH'S MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR ECONOMIC PUNCH: The Economic Impact of University Research.

• Author: Bridge, Brandon

Across Montana, scientific research is having a significant impact on the state's economy. Researchers are studying how traumatic injuries change human brains, the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts and how they integrate with cells, how to predict trends in the evolution of bird shapes, how to overcome herbicide-resistant weeds, how to breed more profitable wheat varieties, and the list goes on.

The Montana University System (MUS) provides a home for this research. These activities are primarily undertaken at six university locations: Montana State University--Bozeman, the University of Montana--Missoula, Montana Technological University, Montana State University--Billings, Montana State University--Northern and the University of Montana--Western. University research in general provides both direct and indirect economic impacts to the Treasure State.

To find out the economic impact of this research, the Bureau of Business and Economic Research studied what the state economy would look like without these activities. While it may be difficult to objectively or accurately quantify all of the impacts of university research, it was found that MUS research contributes a substantial amount to the state economy.

University Research in Montana

Just how does research impact an economy? Scientific research generally impacts a society in a number of measurable and immeasurable ways. Particularly, research performed in the Montana University System affects the state economy in the following ways:

* MUS research is a focal point for spending in the state by the federal government and other out-of-state sources in support of projects. Without MUS research these monies would not come into the state.

* MUS research attracts talented faculty and students to Montana. Without MUS research many of these individuals would go elsewhere, taking their careers and earning power to other places.

* Research produces knowledge, which translates into economic value. Research supports the development of new products and services that make consumers better off and businesses viable and more productive.

* Research within MUS attracts visitors who attend conferences and other research focused activities. Without research, the spending of these visitors would be lost.

* MUS research has been an incubator for spin-off companies either founded by MUS research personnel or in close connection with research activities. Without this opportunity, these companies would not...