Joint Institute for Engineering & Technology – Aerospace

JiET-ARena Cotsones, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Engagement and Innovation Partnerships, Northern Illinois University

andJanyce Fadden, Executive in Residence, University of North Alabama

and Former President, Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Setting the Context • NIU engagement efforts in the Rockford area focused on

– Educational attainment– Workforce development – Innovation

• Close working relationships– Community college– Economic development council– Businesses – Local government

• Collaboration for regional benefit • Linking and leveraging existing assets and strengthening

networks

Identifying and building the aerospace cluster

• NIU research illuminated the impact of the aerospace industry

• Rockford Area Economic Development Council and NIU worked with companies to create the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN)

• RAAN members began to identify opportunities to source products and services within the region

• RAAN now connects more than 150 supply chain partners

Rockford’s Aerospace/Aviation Cluster

Every plane flying has at least one part that was designed or manufactured in Rockford. • Global leader in design and manufacture of engine control systems• Global Leader in electric power generation, distribution and control

systems• Fuel & special fluid pumps• GearboxesRockford aerospace supply chain provides:• Advanced materials and composites• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul• Parts & Components distribution and production• Sheet metal• Software systems• Systems design and engineering support• Tooling

Rockford Area Aerospace Accelerator Project

• NIU convened a group of higher education, economic development and workforce development leaders to discuss how to accelerate innovation, job creation and global competitiveness in the robust aerospace cluster.

• In 2010, the collaborative was awarded one of 20 competitive federal Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge (JIAC) grants, creating a $2.4 million investment in this effort

Creating an Aerospace Growth System

Rockford Area Aerospace Network

JiET-A: Targeted workforce development for aerospace

Community buy-in

• Rockford area education, business, economic development, and government leaders signed a joint declaration committing to collaboration and support of the aerospace cluster

• UTC Aerospace Systems provided loaned executive for leadership of JiET-A • JiET Governing Board established to ensure ongoing viability

Outcomes and Impact • Identified more than 100 aspiring aerospace

engineers/technicians• 42 students have been placed into integrated internships• 12 students have been hired by local aerospace companies • Increased collaboration between higher education,

businesses and public sector • Developed new academic/career pathways for local

students• Increased student awareness of aerospace careers• Heightened community recognition and support of this

high-value sector of the economy

Web Portal for Prospective Interns

Sustainability and Scaling

• Local aerospace companies providing financial support: $2/hr. for interns

• Engaging SMEs to expand their involvement • Community Foundation provided $50K grant for

administrative infrastructure and creation of effective business model

• Governing Board made up of key education, business and government leaders

• Early stages of development of JiET groups for Information Technology and other areas of targeted workforce development

Aerospace expansion announcement

• Executives of aerospace leader Woodward cited the collaborative workforce development, branding and innovation work generated by the Aerospace Accelerator Project and JiET-A as a factor in their decision to locate a $300 million expansion project in the Rockford area, creating 1750 new jobs and retaining 1750 jobs!