Supply Chain and Workforce Development

Leaders:

• Bud Annan, The Annan Group
• John Fowler, Arizona State University
• Glenn Hoetker, Arizona State University

Opportunity:
Advances in policy by state and local government and the Arizona Corporation Commission have created both market development and supply chain investment opportunities in Arizona. Important industry players have responded by investing in the State, but more needs to be done to create a true industry cluster. Additional progress requires understanding solar technologies and the factors important for developing and strengthening their supply chains. An opportunity exists to define the important value chains for a robust industry in Arizona, to identify core needs of players in the chain, and to work across the collaboration to meet those needs.

Successful Outcome:
More investment in solar energy production and supply chain capacity is attracted to Arizona as a result of tighter linkages within the cluster. These linkages extend among the value chains, the talent development systems, the research base, investors, and public policies.

Key Actions:

• Identify the characteristics of a successful industrial cluster
• Identify factors inherent in robust supply chain development — including workforce development, available financing, access to regional and export markets, manufacturing cell, and other relationships
• Identify core clusters and their supply chains
• Identify critical gaps
• Recommend steps to close gaps and key players to engage
• Identify new directions to further build cluster capability
• Set milestones and fill gaps in collaboration

Contact us at azsolarsummit@asu.edu for more information.