The proposed planning grant, "Planning a Center for Advancement of Emerging Technology Applications," presents a plan by six coalition two-year technical colleges in Tennessee to develop a Center in Tennessee that will serve as a national model. Research is presented which demonstrates the importance of coalition building and the need for a timely linkage to take the information sharing from those engaged in development of new technologies and their applications to the companies that can actually put the applications into practice. The goal of the proposed planning grant is to prepare a plan that lays the groundwork for a Center that will function as a clearinghouse. Through this clearinghouse, information will be shared statewide and nationally through conferences, Internet communication and published materials, so that colleges and universities can provide education for graduates going into the technology fields.The proposed center will serve as an intermediary between research organizations and the companies which use the technology. Using research data from these contacts, the center can summarize ongoing projects and anticipate the needs of the manufacturing and service sectors in terms of technology applications. Ultimately, a research-community college-industry alliance will develop, producing a defined channel and improved process for increasing productivity.Six Tennessee two-year colleges are forming this coalition to develop a plan that is producing a framework for identifying and developing emerging engineering technology programs. Components for linkages with industry, other colleges and universities and high schools are important in the project.
