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Evan Berryman - Final Thesis.pdf (1.08 MB)

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The Role of Universities in Industrial Cluster Development: The Case for Ohio University in Dayton

Berryman, Evan T
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0796-3400
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1556642523105189

Abstract Details

2019, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Ohio University, Business Administration.
High-growth industrial clusters can be engines of economic growth through the development of human capital, knowledge spillovers, and early-stage investment. For the past 50 years, Stanford University has been a catalyst in developing Silicon Valley as a global center for technology innovation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ohio University now has the opportunity to leverage the Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) and Russ Research Center (RRC) to play a similar role in producing an industrial cluster centered around emerging technologies in aerospace and defense in the greater Dayton, Ohio area. A significant gift from noted alumni Fritz and Dolores Russ provided Ohio University with the RRC in Southwest Ohio, and Ohio University’s usage of this facility could result in significant financial and social return on investment for the University and the State of Ohio. This work looks to explore the structures and components of industrial clusters, the economy of the greater Dayton region and Ohio University’s potential role in the Dayton ecosystem through the RRC. The overall objective is to provide decisionmakers at Ohio University with a comprehensive foundation to facilitate discussion surrounding utilization of the RRC. In 1994, Fritz and Dolores Russ (Ohio ’42) presented plans to donate property in Beavercreek, Ohio to Ohio University when current tenants’ leases expired. As part of this $124 million gift, which remains the largest donation to any public or private engineering school in the country, Ohio University named the College of Engineering and Technology after the Russ family (Keller, 1996). When Fritz and Dolores passed away in 2006 and 2008, respectively, Ohio University took ownership of the property and renamed it the “Russ Research Center.” In addition to the gift, the Russ family’s professional legacy carries significant weight. After working at WPAFB, Fritz and Dolores Russ founded a leading electronic and automation corporation called System Research Laboratories (SRL). Through its merger with Arvin Industries in 1987, SRL provided software, artificial intelligence, and laser technology to the United States Government. After exiting SRL, the Russ family retained SRL’s physical property and founded the consulting firm Russ Venture Group. The Russ Venture Group leased out SRL offices to portfolio companies. The property originally occupied by SRL and then the Russ Venture Group is the property now referred to as the Russ Research Center. As Ohio University determines its course of action with the Russ Research Center, it is critical that the institution has a strong understanding of cluster development, Dayton’s economy, and the potential implications of its decision. Therefore, this work will elaborate on industrial clusters, Dayton and its historical, current and future economy, and the impact of various use cases of the Russ Research Center within the Dayton region. The primary objective of this body of work is to examine the potential outcomes of Russ Research Center use cases for Ohio University. This research should inform discussions among leaders of Ohio University’s management team and enhance clarity for the Board of Trustees at Ohio University surrounding debated utility of the land. Dayton’s current and historical profile, as well as the potential effects on Ohio University’s financial position and industry connections, are important pieces of information that may help influence the course of action for the Russ Research Center and the formation of an industrial cluster in the Dayton region.
Paul Benedict, MBA (Advisor)
Raymond Frost, PhD (Advisor)
122 p.
Economic Theory; Economics; Geography
economic development; clusters; economic clusters; industrial clusters; startups; geography of startups; Dayton; Ohio; Midwest; Rust Belt; cluster theory; agglomeration economy; Ohio University; universities; technology; innovation; technology transfer

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Berryman, E. T. (2019). The Role of Universities in Industrial Cluster Development: The Case for Ohio University in Dayton [Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1556642523105189

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Berryman, Evan. The Role of Universities in Industrial Cluster Development: The Case for Ohio University in Dayton. 2019. Ohio University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1556642523105189.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Berryman, Evan. "The Role of Universities in Industrial Cluster Development: The Case for Ohio University in Dayton." Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1556642523105189

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ouhonors1556642523105189
934
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University Honors Tutorial College and OhioLINK.