Research universities are important to economic growth, University of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank told an audience at the annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium Thursday at the Monona Terrace.

“In areas around the country where you see growth happening, there’s a major research university,” Blank, who previously served as acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, said. “One reason is because of having skilled workers (in the area). Another is because the university is also the ideas factory.”

Despite the importance of research, Blank cautioned that while the United States’ competitors (such as China and Japan) are pouring more money in it, the U.S. government is cutting dollars.

“I think that’s foolish in terms of being competitive,” Blank said. She noted that 30 percent of UW’s budget comes from the federal government.

Blank also explained the importance of partnerships, citing UW”s collaboration with the Wisconsin Energy Institute and its relationship with UW-Milwaukee. Being partners with the private sector is important, too, Blank added.

“Universities have responsibilities to reach out beyond their campus,” Blank said. “We’re only going to be successful if we work together.”