Through new research and technology transfer, more international opportunities for students and faculty, new capstone degree and certificate programs and increased professional education for the state's workforce, UW-Madison will strengthen Wisconsin's role in the global economy.
Capstone degrees/certification programs
These programs meet the needs of students finishing traditional degree programs who want specialized training in other areas before starting their careers. These programs also benefit Wisconsin's working professionals who want additional training to meet current or future job requirements. Madison Initiative funding will be used to create capstone master's degrees and certificate programs in areas critical to Wisconsin's future, such as bioinformatics, computational science, geographic information systems and alternative K-12 teacher certification.
E-Commerce initiative
This new initiative will create a campus hub for multidisciplinary research related to electronic commerce and help coordinate e-commerce curriculum through various departments. It will also manage the e-commerce certificate program and promote collaboration of research and dissemination of knowledge in the private and government sectors through the existing UW Consortium for Global Electronic Commerce. These efforts will help support the creation of a high-tech workforce and stimulate e-business development, both of which are crucial to Wisconsin's economic future.
Environmental biotechnology
Little is known today about the effect of human-made chemicals on the environment. Madison Initiative funding will be used to focus interdisciplinary activities in environmental biotechnology. These efforts will examine the fate of these chemicals in the environment from a molecular and biotechnological perspective. Students and working professionals will be trained in the development of environmental technologies for pollution control and in the creation of environmentally benign chemicals.
Technology transfer
UW-Madison plays a central role in Wisconsin's economic development through technology transfer, the transfer of university-developed technology to Wisconsin businesses to pursue economic growth. More than 170 Wisconsin companies are based in some way on research conducted at UW-Madison -- with 70 of those companies created in only the last five years. The university will utilize Madison Initiative funding to further expand the transfer of research results to the private sector.
Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy
Permanent funding for the Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy (WAGE) will be provided by the Madison Initiative. WAGE supports the university's numerous centers of specific expertise on the global economy and links them in a campus network to enhance their combined expertise to benefit Wisconsin. These centers include units and groups that work on international issues such as business, trade and finance, public policy, public affairs and agriculture.
E-commerce solutions? Start by expanding the human network
UW-Madison provides the calm in a storm of information as new business opportunities unfold in the electronic world. With support from the Madison Initiative, a consortium is helping Wisconsin companies sort through the options.
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Governor pledges support
Gov. Tommy G. Thompson pledged support for the Madison Initiative in the next state budget as he helped kick off the Wisconsin Economic Summit Nov. 29. Thompson praised the initiative as a key element that is already serving to grow the state's economy.
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Web sites
Consortium for Global Electronic Commerce
Biotechnology at UW-Madison
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
University-Industry Relations
World Affairs and the Global Economy (WAGE)
News articles
Governor pledges support for Madison Initiative (11/30/2000)
UW System budget proposal focuses
on economic development and the "New Wisconsin Economy" (UW System release, 8/21/2000)
UW organizes fall economic summit (7/3/2000)
Building boom continues at research park (5/3/2000)
New network fosters start-ups (5/2/2000)
Patent growth strengthens UW future (12/13/1999)
University-Industry Relations grant programs fuel technology transfer (11/10/1999)
Environmental monitoring degree planned for professionals (6/9/1999)
Firms quickly fill MGE innovation center (3/22/1999)
UW research fuels growth in spin-off, startup companies (2/26/1999)
New UW consortium helping steer electronic commerce (11/17/1998)
New master's for practicing engineers announced (8/26/1998)
UW clean-air technology headed for the produce section (4/14/1998)