The innovative mindset will be showcased during the sixth annual Tech Week hosted by Purdue's College of Technology. Events are planned April 14-20. Following the week's theme, "Relevant. Responsive. Results.", Deborah Wince-Smith, CEO and president of the Council on Competitiveness, will headline the week's activities. She will discuss "Technology and the U.S. Innovation Imperative" during the Dean's Distinguished Lecture April 18.
The Council on Competitiveness brings together CEOs, labor leaders and university presidents to continue American prosperity in the global economy. The coalition recommends actionable public policy solutions to make America more competitive in the global marketplace. As president of the council, Wince-Smith spearheaded the National Innovation Initiative (NII), which played a pivotal role in creating a reinvigorated U.S. competitiveness movement. The NII shaped the bipartisan America COMPETES Act, created state and regional innovation initiatives, and brought a global focus to innovation. While Wince-Smith provides a policy view, high school students will be getting a hands-on view of the College of Technology's curriculum. The three-day Think Tech! program invites teenagers to campus to experience one of three topics in-depth. Each of the topics includes team projects. The annual alumni awards have been expanded this year as well. In addition to four Distinguished Technology Alumni (DTA), the college will honor six graduates as Outstanding Technology Alumni, and four others will receive Early Career Awards. Current students will have a chance to learn from the DTA winners during a panel discussion. They also can meet with representatives from Cummins Inc. as part of Corporate Partner Day activities and with students leaders during a Student Organization Fair.