GUEST COMMENTARY: Missouri businesses, research universities must unite for better quality of life

Silicon Valley in California, the Research Triangle in North Carolina, and Route 128 around Boston have emerged as centers for innovation and discovery in the United States. At the center of these regions are at least one outstanding research university and a business community that understands how to utilize the opportunities that universities provide. Collaborations between these university and business communities have shaped the products we use, the services we expect, even the way we work and live. And, the quality of life in these areas is well above the national average.