Infrastructure Innovation Tour

Oct 31 2019 4

Infrastructure Innovation Tour Podcast artwork

Infrastructure is the foundation of our economy and of modern society, but it is often taken for granted until it fails to work. Michigan and the nation made big investments in infrastructure in the 20th century, which are starting to show their age and are overdue for improvement.

During the past five years, URC institutions conducted $1.64B in infrastructure-related research and initiatives in the fields of water, mobility, energy and communications. R&D efforts that spanned more than one of those categories equaled $274M.
These contributions to infrastructure innovations and talent continue to reshape how people and business interact with their built and digital environments.
Join us on an Infrastructure Innovation tour of the state of Michigan and help us continue the conversation. Expert teams visit the following communities to discuss issues and opportunities related to infrastructure and its role in daily life.

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Episode 1 - Infrastructure Innovation Tour kickoff

Oct 25 2019 18 mins

Michigan’s University Research Corridor Podcast explores how Michigan’s three premiere research institutions help to drive the state’s economy forward, and open doors to the future. A partnership between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, this podcast explores the ideas and projects that impact industry, people, and communities -

Episode 2 - Algae & Water Quality in Monroe

Oct 26 2019 18 mins

Algae & Water Quality in MonroeThe Monroe tour discussed the impact of algal blooms on water and the direct effect on infrastructure, communities, industry and human health. The conversation touched on related water infrastructure issues, such as Lead & Copper Rule revisions and the emerging challenge of PFAS.

Episode 3 - Rural Broadband in Sanilac County

Oct 27 2019 18 mins

Rural Broadband in Sanilac CountyThe Sanilac tour stop covered rural access to broadband and the complex issues communities face in securing widespread connectivity.

Episode 4 - Roads in Sterling Heights

Oct 28 2019 16 mins

Roads in Sterling HeightsThe Macomb County – Sterling Heights roundtable convened a discussion with legislators, business leaders and URC experts on Michigan’s failing road infrastructure and its impact on communities around the state, and research underway to meet these challenges.

Episode 5 - PFAS in Kalamazoo

Oct 29 2019 25 mins

PFAS in KalamazooThe Southwest Michigan roundtable convenes a discussion with legislators, business leaders and URC experts on emerging challenges with water contamination, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the many types of research and community support underway.

Episode 6 - Soo Locks Expansion in Sault Ste Marie

Oct 30 2019 27 mins

Episode Six: Infrastructure Innovation Tour – Soo Locks Expansion in Sault Ste MarieThe Sault Ste Marie roundtable convened a discussion with legislators, business leaders and URC experts on emerging challenges with maritime shipping, updates planned for the Soo Locks–the largest waterway traffic system on earth–and the research underway to meet these challenges.

Infrastructure Innovation Tour Wrap in Detroit

Oct 31 2019 31 mins

Infrastructure Innovation Tour Wrap in Detroit This final forum in Detroit discussed all five of the impact areas explored previously on the Infrastructure Innovation tour, highlighting statewide impacts, implications and paths forward.