Advancing Circular Economy Technologies for
Advanced Manufacturing Solutions

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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 for manufacturing and supply chain resilience by 2035. 

At the core of this transformation is Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change), a powerful catalyst driving advanced 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 help reduce waste, boost productivity and fuel self-sustaining economic growth for the region and beyond.

Built to Grow. Ready to Adapt.

$8 Trillion

55% Energy
45% Materials

45% Circular Economy
55% Emerging Tech

Global waste produced by manufacturers


Source: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky

Total current global emission related to energy or materials

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Most effective strategies for reducing global emissions by 2050

Kentucky and Tennessee have experienced record economic growth, driven by a 40.4% increase in manufacturing outputs from 2010 to 2020. As the region grows, it must navigate several key challenges:

  • 🔌 Rising energy demand: Increased strain on infrastructure and natural resources

  • 🏗️ Fragile supply chains: Limited resilience in domestic production and distribution networks

  • ♻️ Industrial waste management: Few scalable options for handling and repurposing materials

  • 👷 Workforce shortages: Gaps in skilled labor across the manufacturing sector

  • 🌍 Sustainability and emissions goals: Difficulty meeting environmental benchmarks

Strategic innovation, regional collaboration and sustainable investment are essential to tackling these challenges and securing long-term success.

Our Strategic Approach: GAME Change for the Southeast Commerce Corridor (SCC)

To address the pressing challenges facing Kentucky and Tennessee, ranging from energy demand and supply chain gaps to workforce shortages and sustainability goals, we’ve launched a bold, region-wide strategy: GAME Change.

This strategy is built around three pillars:

  • Clear Priorities: Focusing on workforce development, supply chain resilience and circular economy innovation.

  • Targeted Programs: Delivering impact through new centers, digital platforms and collaborative ventures.

  • Measurable Outcomes: Driving real results, including reductions in manufacturing waste, new startups and expanded R&D investment.

Through coordinated efforts across key cities in the Southeast Commerce Corridor (SCC), GAME Change is laying the foundation for a thriving. supply chain resilient manufacturing future.

GAME Change's Strategy for the SCC including priorities, programs and outcomes

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

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.