Michigan’s freshwater resources are more than an environmental asset—they are an economic opportunity. This panel will explore the emerging Blue Economy and the growing efforts across Michigan to harness the Great Lakes as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research, talent development, and economic growth.
Melissa Zaksek, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, and Matt McDonough bring complementary perspectives from sustainable business, Michigan’s leading research universities, and the growing freshwater innovation ecosystem. The conversation will examine how universities, businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and communities can work together to translate Michigan’s research and freshwater advantages into new companies, technologies, jobs, and investment.

Panelists will discuss the infrastructure and partnerships needed to support a thriving Blue Economy, the role of universities in driving innovation and talent, and opportunities to better connect research with industry and economic development. The discussion will also consider how Michigan can position itself as a national and global leader in freshwater innovation while ensuring that economic development and environmental stewardship advance together.

The session will highlight emerging initiatives, including RU4M’s Livable Futures Initiative and the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, and explore what it will take to move Michigan from recognizing the economic potential of its freshwater resources to fully realizing it.

Moderator: Melissa Zaksek, Managing Director, Erb Institute

Panelists: Matt McDonough, CEO, Discovery Pier and Board Member for Freshwater Research & Innovation Center and Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, Research Universities for Michigan

About Coffee Talks: Coffee Talks provide a monthly opportunity for U-M faculty, staff, and students interested in water, and water-interested people in southeast Michigan to connect with colleagues, learn about pressing and/or emerging water-related issues, and meet new partners.

This academic year, we are excited to Envision Resilient Great Lakes Futures—examining the future opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the region's water resources, communities, and ecosystems.

Coffee Talks are in-person convenings designed to build connections as part of the U-M Water Center's mission and programs; we are not recording sessions at this time.

You can register here: https://graham.umich.edu/wateratmichigan/coffee-talks