Research Computing on Campus - Application of a Production Function to the Value of Academic High-Performance Computing

ABSTRACT High-performance computing is used by research institutions worldwide for managing research data, modeling, simulation, and big data analysis. This capability is critical for higher education institutions to attract top researchers and faculty, maximizing competitiveness for future funding, and training students in current data-intensive research methods. As a corollary, procurement and operation of advanced cyberinfrastructure incurs substantial operating and capital expenses to an organization. In this paper we present an analysis of value metrics gathered at Purdue University to measure the return on investment (ROI) of institutional investment in cyberinfrastructure resources; and an application of an economic production function to measure the cyberinfrastructure’s impact on the institution’s academic, financial, and reputational output.