Advancing Circular Economy Technologies for
Advanced Manufacturing Solutions
Kentucky and Tennessee are at the heart of America’s manufacturing and supply chain supercluster. Together, we form the Southeast Commerce Corridor (SCC), a region poised to become a global leader in circular economy (CE) innovation by 20235.
At the core of this transformation is Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change), a powerful catalyst driving sustainable manufacturing and digitally connected, circular supply chain systems. Supported by a strong alliance of partners and a skilled workforce, GAME Change will help create a thriving hub for innovation and talent development.
By advancing closed-loop manufacturing and integrating cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, GAME Change will reduce waste, boost productivity and fuel self-sustaining economic growth for the region and beyond.
Game Change Leadership Team
Project Director
Ian McClure, J.D., LL.M., University of Kentucky
Talent & Workforce Development
Dr. Kris Williams, KCTCS
Innovation Leadership
Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Use-Inspired Research & Development
Dr. Doug Adams, Vanderbilt University
IDEA Engine
Kayla Meisner, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Ecosystem of Partners & Industry
Marc Gibson, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Innovation Translation to Practice
Robert Turner, Tennessee State University
Scale Centers & Vendor Studios
Will Metcalf, University of Louisville
Evaluation & Assessment
Dr. Shannon Sampson, University of Kentucky
Speed to Market
Vijay Kamenini, Metals Innovation Initiative
Core Partners
KENTUCKY
- University of Kentucky (lead organization)
- Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
- Kentucky Community and Technical College System
- Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
TENNESSEE
- Launch Tennessee
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR)
- Tennessee State University
- University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Vanderbilt University
In its Development Phase, GAME Change will further organize its coalition and design an actionable strategic plan to investigate use-inspired problems, test solutions and translate innovations to market related to gaps in sustainable Next-Generation Manufacturing (NGM) and logistics.
Current State
- Extracted materials
- Disconnected processes and supply chain
- Wasteful processes
- Reliance on carbon intensive energy
- Skilled workforce shortage with few knowledgeable jobs
Enabling Technologies
- Digital Integration Technologies for circular manufacturing and supply chains
- Full-Product Lifecycle Technologies for byproduct recovery and reuse and product lifestyle design
- Innovations for agile and resilient supply chain
- Collaborative robotics to improve workforce engagement, well-being. and inclusivity
Future Vision
- Region leading in development of and practice of circular manufacturing
- Reduced raw materials
- Efficient processes
- Reduced environmental impact, especially CO2
- Distributed, inclusive, and accessible workforce
- Efficient and agile supply chain
- Established ecosystem that continues innovation in and leadership of circular manufacturing
Result
- Economic benefits
- Environmental benefits
- Societal Benefits
- Sustainable ecosystem of expertise, experience, and innovation
GAME Change Engine
- Creating community of practice in circular manufacturing among industries and universities
- Creating diverse and educated workforce for future manufacturing (K-12, Community College, and University)
- Providing use inspired research and development to support industry transformation
- Removing societal, technical and regulatory barriers to manufacturer transformation
- Growing support ecosystem to advance innovation and improvements long term
Research reported on this website was supported by the National Science Foundation under Award #2302947. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
