Moreover, today's big mergers may give birth to hard-to-beat Internet learning partnerships, according to Clark Aldridge, an education analyst at Gartner Group (IT) .

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Until now, vice-chancellors and student leaders have insisted that universities are not about hard-headed seller-buyer relationships but about high-minded partnerships for learning.

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"We are a car company that through market-driven, customer focused innovation is learning to think and act like an electronics company, leveraging partnerships with fresh, innovative technology leaders, " added Mulally, who delivered the Consumer Electronics Show keynote address on Thursday.

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Schools need to have partnerships with local businesses, alums and especially angel groups which can provide an environment for learning, and also real-world connections for student ventures.

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