University Partnerships Serving Wisconsin Industry Clusters

1. University Partnerships Serving Wisconsin Industry Clusters Raj Veeramani: UW-Madison Tom Turng: UW-Madison Al Hartman: UW-Oshkosh Erica Kauten: SBDC

2. 2 Presentation �Take Aways� University-industry partnerships are important enablers of economic development Multi-university collaboration provides significant leverage and synergy (1 + 1 is greater than 2) Includes universities, colleges, outreach centers, etc. Multi-university collaboration CAN work Requires a shared vision and a leadership team that believes in collaboration

3. 3 Presentation �Take Aways� �The proof is in the pudding� Examples of university partnerships at work! University of Wisconsin E-Business Institute Partnership for Innovation in Wisconsin�s Plastics Industry Cluster NEWERA (NorthEast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance)

5. 5 UWEBI Background In 1998, UW launches Consortium for Global E-Commerce Provides member companies a unique collaborative and non-commercial environment where they can learn e-business best practices and address e-business challenges to translate corporate e-business vision into reality Active involvement by companies across the state from Wisconsin�s core industries; CGEC success widely recognized In 2003, UW-Madison strengthens its commitment through establishment of a new campus-wide institute, namely the University of Wisconsin E-Business Institute (UWEBI).

6. 6 UWEBI Mission The UW E-Business Institute�s mission is to: Serve as a state-wide hub for multidisciplinary research and industry collaboration on e-business and e-commerce issues Help enhance economic development in the state by accelerating understanding and adoption of e-business in Wisconsin�s industry clusters The institute will complement the consortium�s collaborative learning activities by focusing on research (fundamental and applied) and industry-wide outreach activities.

7. 7 Defining characteristics of UWEBI Research that has impact: by catalyzing innovation through leading-edge research, along with technology transfer and industry outreach, that enhances industry competitiveness Strong industry collaboration: by building on the university-industry partnership that exists through the consortium State-wide reach: through scalable collaboration with other UW campuses, technical colleges, extension and economic development organizations Enhancing economic development: through outreach activities and large scale opportunities that benefit entire industry clusters, not just individual companies Building human capital: through student involvement in research and outreach activities, and knowledge-dissemination to industry

8. 8 Examples of UWEBI initiatives E-Business Journey for Wisconsin Manufacturers: Funded by NIST MEP, UW-Madison, industry and Wisconsin Dept of Commerce In collaboration with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership Developing and disseminating validated and cost-effective approaches for Internet-aided supply chain collaboration Helping small Wisconsin companies adopt e-business practices to develop stronger ties with their large customers and deliver additional value to them thereby distinguishing themselves from the lower-cost foreign competition

9. 9 Examples of UWEBI initiatives Partnership for Innovation in Wisconsin�s Plastics Industry Cluster: 2-year $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation Partners include UW Polymer Engineering Center, several leading plastics companies, UW campuses, tech colleges, economic development agencies Innovative plastics product development through technology transfer of new polymer materials, processes and tools Foster collaborative innovation networks in the highly-fragmented plastics industry

10. 10 Examples of UWEBI initiatives RFID industry workgroup: Radio frequency identification (RFID) will fundamentally change the way organizations track, trace and manage their assets RFID has major implications for manufacturing, distribution, retail, healthcare, etc. For example, suppliers to DOD and Walmart need to be use RFID by 2005 Workgroup participants include Brady Corp., Endries Intl., Grainger, Kraft, Lands� End, Menasha Corp., Schneider Natl., Serigraph, Rockwell Automation, etc. Gain insight into path-breaking ideas and technologies to invent new RFID-based products and services and to improve supply chain management and asset management processes

11. 11 Scope of UWEBI Impact:Not limited to manufacturing

12. 12 Summary The University of Wisconsin E-Business Institute serves as Wisconsin�s leading center for multidisciplinary research collaboration, technology innovation and industry outreach on e-business. Through collaboration with other campuses, technical colleges, extension organizations and research institutions, UWEBI provides an unique e-business competitive intelligence and knowledge-transfer network. UWEBI helps enhance economic development by accelerating the understanding and successful adoption of e-business strategies, technologies and practices in Wisconsin�s industry clusters.

13. 13 How You Can Help Help spread the word about the UW E-Business Institute in your community Encourage companies to learn about and participate in our ongoing initiatives Register for our free weekly e-mail newsletter at www.uwebc.org

14. For More Information www.uwebi.org Raj Veeramani (608) 262-0861 raj@engr.wisc.edu