Could an Education City Concept Work in the United States

I want to discuss a "blue sky" concept with my friends and colleagues and get everyone's points of view. We all understand that traditional enrollment is declining (the cliff), and many private higher education schools are closing or merging. For example, in Ohio, at least a dozen have closed or merged since 2010, and more are to come. Many of my colleagues bring up the inefficiency of distressed schools and the difficulty of making tough decisions. I won't argue that today.

Most of you know that I lived in the United Arab Emirates for eight years, working in the field of higher education. In Qatar, an Education City was established in 1997 and started in 2003, and it has over 10,000 attendees. In Dubai, a similar concept called Knowledge Park or Academic City was launched in 2006, and currently, 30,000 students attend. Both received government funding to create an Academic Knowledge Center. Overall, I and many others believe they have been successful.

There is no similar model in the United States. While the Research Triangle, Kendall Square Boston, and Silicon Valley in California exist, the Academic/Education City model does not. Could an education city concept make sense for a group or groups of private colleges?

* Cost Sharing: Co-locating a group of private colleges in a single campus or education city would allow them to share resources such as libraries, administrative services, and technology infrastructure. This could significantly reduce operational costs, which is particularly beneficial for institutions facing financial difficulties.

* Collaborative Academic Programs: Co-location could facilitate joint academic programs and shared faculty, allowing institutions to offer a wider range of courses and majors without each college bearing the full cost. This could attract more students and enhance the academic reputation of the consortium.

*Increased Student Enrollment: A centralized location with multiple institutions might attract more students, particularly those interested in cross-registration opportunities or dual-degree programs. This could lead to higher enrollment rates, which is crucial for financially struggling colleges.

* Attraction of Investment: A collaborative, co-located model might be more appealing to donors, investors, and government agencies looking to fund educational initiatives. The potential for shared success might incentivize investment in infrastructure, scholarships, and research initiatives.

* Branding and Marketing Synergy: A combined marketing and branding effort could raise the profile of the co-located institutions, making them more attractive to prospective students, parents, and employers. The shared campus could become a destination known for its unique academic offerings.

I am not as convinced it would work in Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other such cities due to the high number of schools that already exist, but could it work in cities of the size of Cleveland, Louisville, Columbus, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, etc. or others of similar size. Why would a municipality or a metroplex consider this:

1. Economic Growth and Job Creation: Increased Employment: The development of an academic city could spur job creation not only within academic institutions but also in related sectors such as construction, retail, hospitality, and technology. Universities often act as economic anchors in their regions, providing stable employment opportunities. Attracting Businesses: An academic city could attract businesses and startups looking to tap into the talent pool generated by the universities. Research and development (R&D) activities can lead to the creation of innovation hubs, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
2. Enhancing the City’s Appeal: Population Growth: Establishing an academic city could attract students, faculty, and professionals from other regions, contributing to population growth. This influx could boost the local economy through increased demand for housing, services, and entertainment. Reputation and Prestige: Having a cluster of reputable educational institutions could elevate the city's status as an education hub, similar to how cities like Boston are known for their academic and innovation environments. This reputation could make the city more attractive to businesses, tourists, and new residents.
3. Public-Private Partnerships: Investment Opportunities: An academic city could foster partnerships between the public sector, private companies, and educational institutions. These partnerships could lead to shared investments in infrastructure, research, and community projects, benefiting both the academic institutions and the broader community. Access to Grants and Funding: Cities that support educational initiatives may be more likely to receive grants and funding from state and federal governments, as well as private foundations interested in supporting education and innovation.
4. Improved Infrastructure: Transportation and Housing: The development of an academic city could lead to improvements in local infrastructure, including transportation networks, housing developments, and public amenities. These improvements would benefit both the academic community and local residents, making the city more livable and attractive.

I can think of many challenges to this idea, but I wish to start a discussion on this concept. Could this be a way to reduce mergers and closures? If I don't get feedback on this "Blue Sky" idea, then it tells me it has no validity. I want to hear from those in the US, but also from my colleagues in other countries and especially from those who have worked in the Education/Academic City environment.

Thanks, Dean Hoke