LANSING – The University Research Corridor, made up of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, educated more students than other comparative research clusters around the country and moved up in the comparative number of patents issued. But it moved down in the relative amount of research investment, according to a report released Wednesday.

The three schools also showed their role in the state’s economy is increasing.

The report by Anderson Economic Group showed the three schools had $1.38 billion in research investment in 2006, up $10 million from 2005, but still dropping them to fifth among the six university corridors in the country. The other comparable clusters are in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

But the schools moved up a spot to fourth in the number of patents issued for the year, the report said.

At 135,816 students, the URC educated more than any of the other clusters.

Overall, the schools generated 69,285 jobs and $13.3 billion in economic activity in 2006, the report said.

“The knowledge economy is here, and competition in the realm of innovations and ideas will be every bit as global and as fierce as it is in manufacturing,” said MSU President Lou Anna Simon. “Michigan’s three internationally recognized research institutions are essential to creating the intellectual capital and the technology breakthroughs that will make our state competitive. The URC generates innovations, new technologies, and new businesses that not only provide jobs, but also improve life for all citizens of Michigan.”

“Industry is turning to our universities more frequently to support the innovation and new discoveries that will fuel our future,” said UM President Mary Sue Coleman. “We expect this trend to continue.”

Among other findings in the report, 7.2 percent of the state’s adult population graduated from one of the three schools. The three institutions also employed 48,760 full-time equivalent employees, making them together one of the state’s four largest employers.

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