Higher education institutions play an essential role in Texas' global economic competitiveness. They provide the talent and innovation that gives the state its competitive edge. The COVID-19 vaccine, ethernet, plasma screens, and e-readers are just a few of the thousands of ideas that were born out of U.S. universities. These innovations have fundamentally changed the way people live. It is increasingly clear, however, that these breakthroughs cannot happen without robust supports designed to grow, advance, and translate ideas into successful commercial products. This report examines the current national landscape of higher education research and development to help gauge the state's current position and identify opportunities to drive further innovations into the future.