Economic development strategies must take on a comprehensive, collaborative approach, especially in today's climate. 

Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), joins us to talk about all the factors that play into such an approach. 

We discuss relevant economic development issues, like:

• Why workforce issues are about far more than jobs and skills
• How government can instill the speed of action common in the private sector
• The rise of entrepreneurship in the current economy
• The role of technical education in preparing learners for the workforce
• Resources employers can utilize to support their workforce

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Artificial intelligence is totally transforming the world in which we live, learn, and work.

But how exactly does artificial intelligence work? How should industrial employers be leveraging AI? And what can education do to prepare their students for an AI-driven workforce?

Matt Kirchner breaks it all down in this episode. Listen for actionable insights into:

Understanding artificial intelligence: Breaking down key AI terminology so you can approach the subject with more confidence.

11 predictions for how AI will disrupt industry: From materials, to processes, to supply chain, these predictions can get you strategizing for how to get ahead of the curve.

Artificial intelligence in education: How we can bring AI into the classroom in an age-appropriate, accessible way that prepares students to step into a world of work where AI is the norm.

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We live in a connected world, where everything from news, to business, finances, health and wellness and our social lives can be accessed and updated in real-time wherever we are. And as technology gets smarter, the information we consume becomes tailored to our specific interests and goals.

Why should the manufacturing floor be any different?

If you're still printing data and charts, laminating it and pinning it to a huddle board...you're wasting time, manpower, and opportunities to be a data-driven organization.

In this episode, we're talking with Don Korfhage, Founder, CEO and President of iGear. His company has developed Squeaks, a software solution that is revolutionizing the way we collect, aggregate, share and respond to manufacturing data in real-time. 

Thanks to software like Squeaks, manufacturers can develop a truly connected Industry 4.0 workforce. We talk all things Industry 4.0, how to use data to optimize workflows, the value of having a connected workforce, how to individualize manufacturing information, and much more!

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In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Michael Lovell, we answer a big question: STEM or Humanities?

If we want well-rounded graduates, then the answer is quite simply, we need both. 

Navigating this balance can be difficult. In the case of Marquette University's Jesuit roots, Dr. Lovell shares how the liberal arts work alongside new innovations in STEM and technology-based programs to produce students with the skills and character for successful futures.

This STEM vs. Humanities discussion brings up a host of other questions that universities across the US have to answer. Our conversation dives into some of these, like:

• How do you find the right balance between liberal arts and STEM?
• Is the traditional model of higher education outdated? And what should universities be doing about it?
• How do liberal arts universities need to pivot in this digital age?
• What role do universities and their regional partners play in socio-economic issues?
• How do we get liberal arts majors and STEM majors in the same room solving problems together?

If you missed part 1 where we talked extensively about cross-disciplinary teams, you can catch up by listening here: https://techedpodcast.com/cross-disciplinary-teams-can-solve-the-worlds-problems/.

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How can we do a better job of solving the world's challenges?

When it comes to research and innovation, too often we have siloed teams trying to solve big problems. Instead, we need broader teams of people from different backgrounds, organizations and skillsets to develop solutions together.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Lovell, President of Marquette University, shows us how taking a cross-disciplinary approach to big problems is already accelerating innovation in Milwaukee.

You'll hear about:

• How putting together teams of students from different majors for a class project can prepare them to work in cross-disciplinary teams in their careers
• Why moving from independent work to research clusters can accelerate the research being done at a university
• How an athletic performance lab is improving the lives of firefighters and cancer patients
• How the Data Science Institute brings together diverse individuals from universities and businesses to tackle broad-based socio-economic issues and attract talent to the region

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The Oshkosh brand is instantly recognized for its specialty trucks and access equipment. But the company is about more than building the world's toughest equipment; they're committed to making a difference in people's lives. And that means every piece of equipment they manufacture is designed to empower people and keep communities safe.

Leading this charge is John Pfeifer, President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, who joins us in this episode of the podcast to discuss how connected smart manufacturing is driving innovation in the company.

From solving supply chain challenges, to implementing Industry 4.0 as a lean tool, to leveraging data from production to end-consumer use, our audience will glean great insights into the world of smart manufacturing.

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Austin Ramirez is an extremely successful CEO, leading Wisconsin-based manufacturer Husco. In addition, he has spent time as a White House Fellow under two US presidents, swam competitively at a national level, and co-founded a non-profit to revitalize democracy. 

In this episode, we talk about the priorities manufacturers should focus on as they lead their organizations into the future. This is excellent advice for industrial employers and for educators teaching the next generation of leaders. 

We discuss a number of keys to forward-thinking success, including:

• Why leaders should bring systems-level thinking into their strategies
• How manufacturers should pivot their products & services to adapt to an ever-changing market
• How to leverage Industry 4.0 technology in manufacturing
• 3 core values every manufacturer should hire for and focus on
• Why education is the driver for moving the region into the future
• How to leverage university partnerships to attract and retain great employees
• Why (and how) to invest in equitable education for all kids

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In this episode, we're talking with Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's 31st adjutant general and the commander of the Wisconsin National Guard. Our National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are in a unique position, playing the dual role of civilian employee and military service member.  Maj. Gen. Knapp is committed to ensuring Wisconsin's Guardmembers have the support to lead a fulfilling work-home life while proudly serving their community.

We get to hear about Maj. Gen. Knapp's experience leading the Wisconsin National Guard through the COVID pandemic, the 2020 Presidential inauguration, and the 2021 NBA National Championships in Milwaukee.

We learn about some of the challenges Guardmembers face in the civilian workforce and how employers can hire and support these individuals.

We get a sneak preview of the Operation Next project, an initiative between the National Guard and Western Technical College to provide skills-based training and certifications in STEM fields for Guardmembers and their families.

And we talk about why military service is a great career pathway for graduating students, especially those interested in STEM fields.

Visit the Wisconsin National Guard website: https://ng.wi.gov

For more on the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, visit: https://dma.wi.gov/DMA/

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Self-docking boats, electric outboard motors, IoT-enabled boater safety wearables...this is the future of marine technology, and it's all being developed at Mercury Marine.

In this episode, we're talking with Chris Drees, President of Mercury Marine. The organization is leading the world in marine engine technology, not just on the product design side, but also in their innovative manufacturing processes. 

Learn about how the internet of things (IoT) and advanced manufacturing are disrupting the marine industry as we discuss:

• Advancements in electric outboard engines
• Hardware & wearables that enhance boater safety and engine data analytics
• How to use data at every step of the manufacturing process
• The role of renewable energy in manufacturing of the future
• The benefit of being vertically integrated
• Soft skills engineers need to work in an Industry 4.0 environment

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Our goal at the TechEd Podcast is to help bridge the gap between education and industry - to help these entities speak a common language, understand each other's needs and build collaborative partnerships.

In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College, we're talking all things workforce development. We tap into Dr. Pink's extensive knowledge and experience working on the industrial workforce training side of community colleges to help you understand what employers need, and how education can quickly respond and meet those needs.

In this episode, we tackle some common workforce training topics, like

• Michigan's 60 by 30 goal and the roles education and industry each play in achieving it
• Stackable credentials and why they're so valuable
• The one big mistake colleges make that turns away employers from working with them
• Cross-sector competition for talent and how companies can attract students
• How to make education more flexible for workforce training needs
• What GRCC is doing this fall to bridge the education-industry gap

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