1. U-M’s Economic Growth Institute joins effort to ease disruption from nuclear facility closure

    Mark Rivett posted July 1, 2021

    Read Full Article on Michigan News

    Like many regions across the country, southwestern Michigan is preparing for the closure of a nuclear power facility, the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant.

    The impact of this transition on a community can lead to reduced tax base, lost employment, reduction in services and an unused site. The Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan and local partners are responding to craft a new vision, strategy and plan that will lower the risk for and severity of such outcomes while driving renewal and growth after the facility’s planned closing next year.

    EGI is working alongside Kinexus Group in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to tackle this transition. The SWMPC views the effort as an opportunity for its counties along Lake Michigan to take stock of the region’s many assets and collaborate on a plan of action.

    EGI’s resources and expertise will support the community as they chart their economic future. This will include research and community engagement to drive the development of an economic recovery strategy ahead of the closure of the nuclear facility. Facilitating inclusive planning, EGI will create a blueprint for recovery.

    Steven B. Wilson; Senior Research Program Officer, Director of Innovation Services and Associate Director of the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan

    “We are excited to be part of this partnership and really commend the local leaders in southwestern Michigan for being proactive in their planning to reduce the impacts of this plant closure on the communities and businesses,” said EGI Director Steve Wilson. “If not addressed, the region could face significant losses. We are looking forward to engaging with community stakeholders to ensure a successful strategy is defined and implemented to keep the region vibrant.”

  2. Understanding the Middle-Skill Workforce In the Connected & Automated Vehicle Sector

    Mark Rivett posted July 22, 2020

    The Economic Growth Institute was funded by American Center for Mobility and Ralph Wilson Foundation to research the emerging workforce skills and related gaps for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). This research report explores the workforce supporting CAVs in Southeast Michigan, specifically looking at the development and evolution of middle-skill jobs. Middle-skill jobs are classified as jobs that require more skills and experience than a high school education provides, but less than a four-year degree. Within the CAV sector technicians comprise the majority of middle-skill jobs, and the bulk of this research report explores the workforce supporting CAVs in Southeast Michigan.

    Request Report here


  3. University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute Prepared for Economy Impacted by Pandemic

    Mark Rivett posted March 26, 2020

    The Economic Growth Institute has provided innovative economic development programming and applied research for almost 40 years, and are often called upon in times of economic distress. The Institute leverages the University of Michigan’s resources, research, technologies, and expertise to foster innovation and create positive economic impact for local, state, and national communities and economies by working with community leaders and small to medium-sized enterprises.

    Steven B. Wilson; Senior Research Program Officer, Director of Innovation Services and Associate Director of the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan

    “The Institute has a longstanding connection with the region’s small and medium-sized manufacturers and tech-based companies, which form a crucial part of the supply chain now and during recovery. This network serves as one important communication channel for announcing immediate needs during the critical times of healthcare delivery.”

    The Institute is adept at managing federal and state funded initiatives with effective programming that reaches businesses and communities. In response to the anticipated needs of an economy mobilizing to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute has expertise to support manufacturers, tech companies, and their communities to:

    • Connect with customers in need of supplies and products to address the pandemic, such as hospital masks, gowns, and other medical hardware.
    • Address challenges with a manufacturing shut-down and accelerate recovery when the pandemic is past.
    • Link with resources and information coming from state and federal government that can support small and medium-sized companies.
    • Help companies think about  and deploy new products they can develop and/or manufacture, either to address future health concerns, or to shore up new challenges to the manufacturing supply chain

    Enterprises that wish to connect with information and expertise should feel free to contact the EGI.