A research university like Purdue is typically not part of a traditional workforce development system. Purdue, however, has demonstrated how to stimulate workforce innovation by relying on new models of strategy and collaboration.

1. NETWORKED ENGAGEMENT
PURDUE’S APPROACH TO
WORKFORCE INNOVATION
LINK AND LEVERAGE STRATEGIES FOR OPEN NETWORKS
Ed Morrison
Center for Regional Development | August 2012
edmorrison@purdue.edu

2. Most of our communities and regions are having
difficulty adapting to a transforming economy
These innovating networks are sophisticated
and take time to evolve
Interested
Community
Community of
Practice
Innovating
Network
Advocate
Together
Learn
Together
Innovate
Together
Trust
level
Time
At Purdue, we are working on new ways to
build civic networks capable of innovating
Open networks require a different type of
strategy discipline than we have been using

3. We gain alignment with “link and leverage”
strategies and strategic doing
We use a managed network to guide investment
and measure results
Strategic Doing
Do
Think
EXAMPLE
$15 million workforce innovation grant
across 14 counties in North Central Indiana
RESULTS
Achieved “step change” improvements to
do more with less:
•
•
•
4 focus areas, 60 initiatives, 80%
sustained past initial funding
Converted 8% of the national
investment into 40% of the national
results
1.5 FTE’s added to manage

4. RESULTS
Purdue Guitar Summer Camp to teach
manufacturing skills is now offered
nationally, funded by NSF
RESULTS
Highest concentration of Project Lead
the Way Schools in the Country |
PLTW is now based in Indianapolis
RESULTS
Created the nation’s first “Green Collar”
manufacturing certification and pioneered
sustainable manufacturing
RESULTS
Launched Purdue Certification in Strategic
Doing | Developing national network