Waymaker Group is a full-service technology-based economic development firm that has spent the last decade focused on jumpstarting innovation ecosystems in emerging cities. Waymaker’s partnerships and expertise help city leaders plan and source funding for mixed-use innovation spaces, develop clusters, attract anchor tenants, and build diverse talent pipelines. Waymaker Group presented on their work and how they collaborate with university and industry partners, and was joined by the Michigan State University Research Foundation and Fraunhofer to discuss their experiences.
RECAP
The webinar began with each panelist discussing their roles at their organizations. Dallas Browning shared his work at Waymarker Group, which focuses on thinking about how regions can be competitive. He shared that Waymaker got connected to MSU and Fraunhofer through the MARS Consortium, which was used as a case study during the webinar to showcase the industry-university partnership.
MSU was selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for an EDA Tech Hubs Strategy Development Award. This led to the Materials Advancement and Research Solutions (MARS) program, which aims to leverage research and economic development partnerships to strengthen U.S. economic and national security. The MARS Consortium led to these groups collaborating together and learning how to advance industry with research.
A key question in the discussion regarding industry engagement was: why is engaging with industry important and when should partnerships begin to form?
There will be presumptions about what the competitive advantage is and what you are good at. It is important to have outside advisors who are aware of the strengths and opportunities that may exist. There is not a one-size-fits-all partnership between universities and industry. Not every partnership needs to look alike; when you see what your university has to offer, that niche where engaging with industry can occur is important to recognize. Universities can also find ways to lend their expertise to solve industry problems as well. It is imperative to see where the federal government is putting their dollars to see where new initiatives can take place.
How do we translate the success with connecting tech-based economic development with federal funders? How do we get the state government to understand this?
The discussion closed with best practices regarding this topic and how to align efforts across local, state, and federal governments. State governments have the ability to bring regions together and are a powerful tool to leverage; helping leaders facilitate that is important.
Finally, during the Q&A, the presenters were asked for advice on how universities can initiate these conversations with industry. The key is to understand where the differentiator is and how faculty expertise can be offered to these companies – what can you offer them and what can they offer you? What is important is to find the unique advantage and build an ecosystem supporting that. Don’t try to navigate problems alone – there will be a cluster of organizations that can provide their perspectives and resources that will benefit the overall region.
Meet the Presenters
Julie Huls is the founder and CEO of Waymaker Group. With more than two decades of experience, Julie ignites growth opportunities for mid-market cities looking to jumpstart innovation economies, build diverse talent pipelines, and fuel a more equitable and economically diverse America. Before starting Waymaker Group, Julie served as President and CEO of the Austin Technology Council, an association that represents 300 Central Texas technology companies and their executives and $29 billion in annual regional economic impact. She’s also served as the CEO of the DoSeum, a STEM foundation for kids 0-12, President and Founder of TalkMedia a public relations agency, and in executive functions for real estate ventures nationwide. Julie has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dallas Browning is an expert in economic development, urban innovation, and technology-driven venture formation. With over seven years of experience, he began his career at the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC). Here he spearheaded strategic initiatives such as the creation of an industry consortium for the KY Aerospace & Defense industry and a first-of-its-kind workforce reskilling program for veterans and transitioning service personnel. Dallas has advised state government departments in economic and workforce Development, worked with think tanks like Heartland Forward, and has passed or advised on state legislation focused on everything from innovative research to venture capital policy.
Russ Zarras is the Fraunhofer USA Marketing and Communications Manager. He was previously the Communications Manager for the Fraunhofer USA Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies. He oversees the marketing and communication activities of Fraunhofer USA by working to promote interest and awareness of the organization to potential customers and partners with the goal to grow business for the centers. He has worked on large variety of industry and governmental research projects and has also worked to better develop the relationship between the center and its university partner, Michigan State University.