This paper examines the role that colleges and universities play in the economy of rural northern New York. It is based on a 1992-93 survey of 20 of the 21 colleges and universities in the region. Parts of the survey were updated in 1997. The study found that the institutions played a vital role in assisting businesses and community organizations engaged in promoting economic development. Services provided included small business assistance, workforce and entrepreneurial development, international trade and investment assistance, total quality management, technology transfer and product development, Internet and computer services, economic research, environmental and forestry management, continuing education and training programs, assistance to community organizations, and providing conference and workshop facilities. It was also found that the nature and magnitude of the technical assistance provided by an institution depended on its degree of commitment to public service, its location and size, the diversity of its academic and other programs, and the expertise and interests of its faculty and staff. An appendix provides a list of areas of institutional strength in public service. (MDM)