A federal program designed to improve the ability of poor, rural states to compete for scientific-research grants has had mixed success. Participating states have made progress, but they continue to lag behind other states in producing university-developed technology and scientists with Ph.D.'s. Should those states focus instead on goals like carving out distinctive research niches and graduating capable scientists? Should state lawmakers and local industries contribute more research dollars to public universities?
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The Stubborn Geographic ... and
Sooner State Pushes to Stake ... 
