University | Industry Advisory Board (UIAB) Update: Meetings Ensuring Progress

The fourth quarter of 2014 featured several meetings for the UIAB sub-councils and the Advisory Board.

The HR Council, Education Council, Advanced Manufacturing Council, Engagement Team and Advisory Board all met during this time frame, which led to significant progress in working toward the early goals of each group.

• Human Resources (HR) Council – Finalized a proposal for several action items to increase connectivity between university and industry members. Specifics for this proposal are planned to be announced in January as elements of the proposal are implemented.
• Education Council – Determined several quick hit goals that can be accomplished in regard to collaborations between university and industry partners. This group recognized the need to work closely with the HR Council on a skills gap study, which is currently being developed, and also decided to form a subgroup to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education from K through 12 with an opportunity to leverage university partners in curriculum design.
• Advanced Manufacturing Council – Commenced discussions regarding projects for the group and further defined goals and objectives. The group has identified several areas to explore regarding emerging manufacturing methods and identification of workforce needs.
• Engagement Team – Reviewed the work of current councils, data collection methods and facilitated engagement between councils. Analyzed the potential for a new council and topics for consideration by the Advisory Board. Initiated discussions regarding a possible “needs discovery” conference as a follow-up to the successful OrthoWorx 2014 members conference.
• Advisory Board – Endorsed the HR Council proposal, which was forwarded to the OrthoWorx Board of Directors for funding consideration. Reviewed all other council work and evaluated potential metrics and future areas for collaboration between all councils.
• R&D Council – Held its first meeting in December. This first meeting was to establish a framework for the group and confirmed opportunities for collaboration.

OrthoWorx looks forward to continuing to update you on the progress of the UIAB and its sub-councils. Please check future e-Newsletter issues to find out what progress has been made.