The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit brought together the people and organizations shaping Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector. Wisconsin has the second-highest concentration of manufacturing employment in the nation, with manufacturing accounting for 15.8% to 20% of jobs statewide. The UW–Madison College of Engineering did an outstanding job bringing this program to Green Bay in partnership with manufacturers across Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin is a major economic driver, generating $38.9 billion in annual economic impact for the state. UW–Madison supports 287,232 jobs and contributes $1.94 billion in tax impact. Continued support for and investment in UW–Madison is critical to Wisconsin’s economy. We have seen at the federal level major cutbacks of funds across the USA with a major impact on research and science. The United States is experiencing a significant pullback and restructuring of federal science and research investments, and it will have an impact on the Wisconsin economy. UW Madison is in the top five in national research for the first time since 2014 surpasses $1.93 Billion in research expenditures. Simply, we do not need politics to change an extraordinarily successful program. UW Madison goal is to bring together Education and Industry to benefit the State of Wisconsin.
The Green Bay Innovation Group is a proud sponsor for the Wisconsin Drives 2026 Manufacturing Summit. It was a fantastic gathering of individuals, and companies dedicated to advancing manufacturing in Wisconsin with seven hundred people attending. The commitment to growth and innovation was inspiring. Wisconsin has the depth of industry, talent, partners, energy, education, and technology to be a World Leader in Manufacturing.
Marty Ochs
Executive Director
Green Bay Innovation Group Foundation
