Since the neo-liberal turn, corporate investment in universities has accelerated as the withdrawal of government
funding, among other factors, has further exposed universities to market forces. While this process offers numerous
benefits for corporations and wealthy individuals, it has been mostly detrimental for students, educators, and the
public at large. In this interview, international scholars Dave Hill, Alpesh Maisuria, Anthony Nocella, and Michael
Parenti broadly explain why corporations have been aggressively investing in universities. They address the
numerous ways that corporate involvement in university activity negatively impacts academic freedom, research
outcomes, and the practice of democracy. The interview ends on a hopeful note by presenting examples of resistance
against corporate influence. Their analyses focus primarily on the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada
