The role of colleges and universities in regional research and service is considered on the basis of six institutional projects: Georgia Institute of Technology, Iowa State University, Oklahoma State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Tennessee. Case study summaries for each institution cover the function of the research or service program, procedures used, sources of support, and examples of projects undertaken, and the project director's name, address, and phone number. The institutional projects were concerned with the following areas: business and industrial productivity; technical assistance to manufacturing and processing firms regarding production and management; educational programs and conferences for local government; and technology transfer (i.e., providing technical information to firms using the resources and expertise of colleges). It is concluded that regional research and service activities of colleges and universities should seek to set priorities for teaching, research, and service; consider services related to the needs of business, industry, and government; initiate consortium arrangements with area colleges; and revise teaching and research functions to meet the needs of the outside community. (SW)