News & Media

WiSys’ innovation and talent development work recognized internationally, again

MADISON—For a second year, WiSys was recognized on an international level for its work fostering innovation on University of Wisconsin System campuses and throughout the state.

WiSys and UW System leaders presented a case study, “The University as a Talent Engine: Fostering Entrepreneurial Skills & Talent,” to hundreds of education leaders worldwide during the University Industry Innovation Network’s 2021 University-Industry Interaction Conference on June 14.

The case study highlighted WiSys’ mission to foster a spirit of innovation and create meaningful research and education opportunities for more than 100,000 students on the 11 regional campuses WiSys serves: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW-Superior and UW-Whitewater.

“Students are taught how to think of themselves as innovators and problem solvers by taking their coursework and applying it to solve real-world problems,” the case study states. “This adds up to the 11 universities that WiSys serves seeing themselves as more than just ‘teaching schools.’ They see themselves as budding hubs of innovation.”

The presentation and case study were authored by WiSys President Arjun Sanga, UW-Parkside Chancellor Dr. Deborah Ford, and David Brukardt, Associate Vice President, Office of Corporate Relations & Economic Engagement for UW System.

The international presentation, done virtually, was introduced by UW System President Tommy Thompson.

“WiSys is a prime example of what we call the new Wisconsin Idea, our deeply held tradition of helping to ensure that what happens on campus positively influences lives and builds economic vitality well beyond the boundaries of the classroom,” Thompson said.

WiSys was also recognized at the University Industry Innovation Network’s 2020 conference for the case study “Innovation and the Wisconsin Idea: Undergraduate Research, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Transfer.”

University Industry Innovation Network is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship through university-industry interaction. Dedicated to sharing knowledge, discovering solutions and building relationships, the network hosts the largest conference in the field, educates the leaders of tomorrow through its workshops and is involved in generating new knowledge in various European research projects.

WiSys is a nonprofit organization that works with faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the UW System to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, develop and commercialize discoveries and foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking across the state.