The industrial consortium coordinated by the Wisconsin MRSEC has grown to 20 to 25 members. The Wisconsin MRSEC has now partnered with the University of Wisconsin business school to develop strategies to expand further our impact on Wisconsin and regional industry. The business school study was conducted by three MBA students, all with industry experience. The MBA students interviewed major stake holders: companies, center professors and students and developed case studies of larger regional consortia. Recommendations from the study included: (1) Rebranding via a new website, logo, and more frequent new newsletter, (2) Increased student exposure at consortium meetings, and (3) Improved outreach to Wisconsin industries in manufacturing. The first recommendation described above has been completed (see figures) and the second was implemented at the 2013 UWAMIC Annual Meeting through a resume board and an improved poster session that included an early morning Poster Flash and alternating poster shifts to encourage formal and informal interaction. The third has sparked a College wide discussion of possible merger of materials related consortia.
