The research, education, economic development, industrial and manufacturing leaders of the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC) of Kentucky and Tennessee received an NSF Engine Development Award to establish a coalition whose mission is to Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change) in the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC). 

The GAME Change Engine will create a diverse innovation and talent development hub that secures U.S. competitiveness in Next-Generation Manufacturing (NGM) and supply chain logistics, supports closed-cycle manufacturing to reduce waste and increases efficiencies for self-sustaining economic growth. By 2034, the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC) will be a global leader in next-generation manufacturing and supply chain innovation for the circular economy, supported by an inclusive and diverse workforce.  

GAME Change will leverage the sharing of unmet needs to catalyze use-inspired research and translate innovations to practice, increase the growth of Next-Generation Manufacturing (NGM) and materials entities in the region, grow and re-skill the region’s diverse workforce with 21st-century Next-Generation Manufacturing (NGM) know-how, and establish a robust innovation ecosystem. In addition, the Engine will support full product lifecycle management across sectors, including automotive, aerospace, energy, food & beverage and materials. 

GAME Change’s leadership includes four R1 universities with strong manufacturing research expertise, three doctoral institutions, R2 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a national laboratory, more than 30 community and technical colleges, and Kentucky and Tennessee counterpart representatives of state government and tech-based economic development organizations. The leadership is supported by more than 50 other collaborating partners across Kentucky and Tennessee, including more than 20 companies representing multiple industries in the region.