STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
From jobs to innovation to meeting local and regional needs, companies large and small are essential to the state’s economic power. Through our partnerships — and by equipping learners of all ages to fill critical workforce needs — we’re leveraging the system’s resources to ensure companies and communities succeed.
Transforming futures for communities, residents
By digging in on economic and workforce development opportunities, the University of Illinois System plays an active role in strengthening communities across the state to secure brighter, more prosperous futures.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a key partner in the U of I System-led Illinois Innovation Network, is helping revitalize Alton’s downtown.
“Wedge Innovation Center is incredibly intriguing in its possibilities in part because of the partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville that helps drive it. This is the kind of partnership that melds the best of government with public higher education and private enterprise,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said.
What’s next: Partner on geospatial assessment, workforce development, and grant writing. Consider expansion of local government leadership programs through Illinois Extension and the system’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
Advancing technology through transportation
Training the next generation to work on technologically complex vehicles and alternative energy solutions is the focus at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Transportation Education Center.
“It’s exciting to be part of the progression of autonomous technology, where lasers are calibrating lasers," said Andrew Croxell, interim director of the School of Automotive Technology at SIUC. “We’re trying to anticipate and plan for the high-skill, high-income jobs of the future.”
SIUC is an essential part of the system-led Illinois Innovation Network.
What’s next: Help make essential connections. Connect transportation center officials with the autonomous testing track at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Connect SIUC with biofuel research at our universities and through the Illinois Innovation Network. Explore connections with Prairie Research Institute and electric vehicle manufacturing partners.
Partnering for growth in the Quad Cities
In Illinois, we build things. And the Quad Cities builds many things.
Our state tour delegation listened to and learned from some of the region's leading manufacturers and organizations, with all parties looking to identify ways to grow advanced manufacturing opportunities in the Quad Cities and in Illinois.
Jarred Pauwels, John Deere vice president, emphasized a key part of our role: “The University of Illinois System is an important partner in acquiring new talent across many different disciplines.”
Continued strong partnerships with John Deere, Western Illinois University, Metro IL Quad Cities, Rock Island Arsenal and Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center will lift all boats on the economic tide.
What’s next: Strengthen our relationships in the Quad Cities area, and cultivate our talent pipeline to northwest Illinois, with the shared goal of growing the area's advanced manufacturing economy.
Fueling entrepreneurial ecosystems
Deeply ingrained in the Peoria area, the University of Illinois Springfield serves as a conduit for bringing to life small- and large-scale innovations that lead to economic growth.
“The (system-led) Illinois Innovation Network is the most important resource we have,” said Robert Kerr, executive director of innovation and opportunity at the new UIS Innovation Center. “When you’re part of a network that’s working together, not competing, you have peers you can reach out to for great ideas, and as entrepreneurs you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The partnerships we’ve been exposed to because of the IIN have been incredible.”
What’s next: Work with Bradley University and Illinois Central College to continue to frame the Peoria-Decatur-Springfield area as a prime location for business development. Connect Bradley’s Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation with UIUC and UIS programs.
Closing equity gaps through internet access
Partnering to correct broadband inequities is a shining example of what the state tour is all about.
Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL) collected feedback about high-speed internet access across the state, spotlighting challenges and opportunities for businesses, non-profits, communities, farmers, students, and more.
“We have to understand these are human beings trying to enhance, survive and thrive,” said Aneta Thomas Lee, assistant director for digital equity, inclusion, and navigation at IBL. "As much change as we will see in the next five to 10 years, this is a gap we will continue to have to mind. That said, in Illinois we are poised to do that better than anyone."
What’s next: Explore what Broadband READY-type work could happen at the system. Spread the word about obtaining — and using — the $30-per-month broadband access subsidy.
