A Study on the New Wave of Research University Models: The Innovative Management Strategy of Arizona State University”

Abstract

Focusing on the “New American University” concept of Crow and Dabars (2020) as a new research university model, this study presents a theoretical framework for understanding the competitive structure of the “Harvard model” and the “ASU model” in the higher education market based on a case study on the management strategy of Arizona State University (ASU), and clarifies their characteristics.

These two models of research universities have different strategies in terms of whether they are inclusive or exclusive, as contrasted with being “excellence-driven” or having “ac- cessible excellence.” What the new wave of research university models questions is the na- ture of a successful model in traditional research universities, which has become monolithic and resistant to change. We must seek to reconcile excellence and accessibility in research universities without justifying the inaction of highly selective universities that contribute to their privileging of research universities.