The next tech hub: Milwaukee
Digital disruption and technology are transforming the way we communicate, educate, travel, bank and approach our health.
While we all reap the benefits of these life-altering innovations, there’s even more to be gained if we all play a role in driving them — as citizens, employers and community leaders.
When most people think about tech-heavy regions booming with new jobs and new industry, they think of places such as Silicon Valley. But Milwaukee?
You better believe it. Milwaukee is fast becoming a technology hub, attracting top talent and expertise from across the country. As leaders of two of the largest employers in the area, we’re proud to have embraced this mission and spearheaded this charge. In June, Milwaukee area organizations teamed up to commission a study on the impact the tech industry has — and will continue to have — on our local economy.
The findings tell us technology talent dependent industries were responsible for more than $27 billion in regional economic impact last year — that’s one-quarter of the total regional economic output. In the next five years, we expect more than 30,000 job openings in the tech industry regionally, and that doesn’t even factor in the digital careers not yet created.
This is exciting news for our city and region. It’s a chance for us to further position Milwaukee on a national and international stage as a leader in technology and innovation. But we must do it together.
When companies and communities work side by side to support a larger purpose, good things happen. Look no further than the work of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
Each year, leaders from companies both large and small step up to support this important organization. We loan employees to support the annual campaign, host fundraisers and join committees, all for a singular purpose — to improve the community we call home.
We have the same opportunity to come together to further build Milwaukee as a leading technology hub. And each of us plays a critical role.
Spread the word that technology jobs are a focus for your organization.
Look for opportunities to invest and partner with the great schools in our area to create innovative programs.
And whenever possible, encourage the next generation of workers to pursue training and consider a career in the tech industry.
It will take all of us working together in new and creative ways to ensure we continue to move Milwaukee forward.
Nick Turkal, MD, is the president and CEO of Advocate Aurora Health, and John Schlifske is chairman and CEO of Northwestern Mutual. For more information on the tech talent study, visit, www.mketechtalent.com