Iowa State University of Science and Technology
The EDA University Center "Iowa Workforce Innovation Network (iWIN)" at Iowa State University of Science and Technology is part of the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS). The goal is to pivot off the 100-year-old workforce-training model toward a holistic, community-focused approach to workforce management. With iWIN, ‘workforce’ is examined from four strategic viewpoints: 1) the regional STEM pipeline; 2) non-traditional attraction/retention efforts, including engineering talent; 3) employee output through incorporation of sustainable productivity initiatives; and 4) building a ‘virtual’ workforce with automation systems. The program will focus on cultivating innovation (35%), encouraging business expansion in a region’s innovation clusters (35%), and developing a high-skilled regional workforce (30%).