Targeting Educational Services for Economic Development: What is the Role for Metropolitan Universities?

Abstract

Higher education institutions need to be prepared to respond to an economy that is increasingly dependent on workforce quality and preparation. Metropolitan universities are well suited to be responsive to the needs inherent. in workforce preparation and maintenance. This article addresses the means by which universities can gather the necessary information to target their response. The methodology and results of a Northern Illinois University study are presented as an example of such an effort. Using these results, the article presents an analysis of the role of universities in workforce development and the nature of future challenges in such endeavors.