Advantage Wisconsin

Advantage Wisconsin: Strategic Framework

High-Paying Jobs

Strategic Challenge Question:

How can the UW System increase the creation of high-paying jobs by expanding the university research enterprise while linking academic programs to entrepreneurship and business development?

The Call for Change: Fewer high-paying jobs in Wisconsin have led to a $4,000-plus per year shortfall in per-capita income between Wisconsin and Minnesota and a $1,600 shortfall compared to the U.S. average per-capita income.  Because large corporate headquarters, which provide many opportunities for high-paying jobs, are unlikely to relocate to Wisconsin, the state needs new strategies. Leveraging and growing the UW research enterprise is vitally important. It will spur more high-growth start-up businesses, produce more graduates ready and excited to work in start-ups, and create more opportunities for existing businesses and new-to-Wisconsin branches of businesses headquartered elsewhere to use UW System faculty, students, and innovations to grow their market shares. The Think Tank will identify key opportunities to create these changes.

Additional Questions:

  • How can the UW System improve research grant win-rates and attract more federal, foundation, and corporate grant money?
  • How can the university graduate and support more entrepreneurs and stimulate Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial climate?
  • How can the university advance a spirit of discovery in all students?
  • How can the university extend opportunities for entrepreneurship and jobs across all demographic groups in our state?
  • How can the university create more intellectual property, and then expand and expedite technology transfer to Wisconsin companies for job and wealth creation?
  • What changes in the UW’s research enterprises would result in more jobs and wealth for Wisconsin communities?
  • How does the university strengthen WiSys and research operations at the comprehensives?
  • What kind of feedback from business/industry does the university need, regionally and statewide?