Advantage Wisconsin

Advantage Wisconsin: Strategic Framework

Stronger Communities

Strategic Challenge Question:

How can the UW System, in partnership with communities, address Wisconsin’s greatest challenges and priorities through intensified engagement, research, and learning?

The Call for Change: In a knowledge-based economy, the attractiveness of communities as a place to live becomes a key economic development resource. Wisconsin is fortunate to have multiple urban and rural communities, each of which features unique characteristics. An urban area anchors each  regional economy.  Many Wisconsin communities and all its regions share common challenges: achieving affordable health care, reducing prison recidivism, providing quality care to babies and toddlers most in need, improving PK-12 education, and cultivating more graduates. The faculty, students, and staff of the UW campuses can work in stronger partnership with Wisconsin communities to address these challenges. The Wisconsin Idea must be reinvigorated for the 21st century if Wisconsin is to remain a strong state. The Think Tank will explore barriers, opportunities, and incentives to create these changes.

Additional Questions:

  • How can the university prepare and inspire more students to become civically engaged and tomorrow’s community leaders?
  • How can the UW System use its resources to improve the health of Wisconsin citizens, especially those with poor health and adverse indicators?
  • How can the university bring its resources and knowledge to bear as a catalyst for economic and social resurgence in the city of Milwaukee?
  • How can the UW System be a catalyst for other important issues, such as improving K-12 educational quality; building sustainable communities; and reducing incarceration rates, especially among young, non-white offenders?
  • How can the university build a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity’s benefits to create more welcoming and inclusive communities?
  • How can the university improve responsiveness to regional and state job and continuing education needs?