MI2’s Strategic Partners Are Crucial for Our Mission Become a Reality

By: Mike Buckentin, MI2 Board and Metals Leadership Council Member

[Image: mike buckentin headshot 1]

In 2017, I became part of the Kentucky metals ecosystem when I joined Logan Aluminum as President and CEO.

As I looked at our company’s continued transformation, the strength of the aluminum industry in the Commonwealth, and the incredible growth across multiple metals sectors in the state, it was impressive just how powerful this state has become on a global stage in metals production.

But I also couldn’t help but think how much more potential there was for Kentucky’s role to grow if we connected the dots across the innovation work being done in our state. That includes aluminum. It also includes steel, copper, stainless steel, and other primary production in the state.

As importantly, that also includes how we connect with all those passionate for supporting innovation throughout Kentucky–in government, in economic development nonprofits, in higher education and the K-12 system, in entrepreneurial communities.

When I began talking to leaders here in our local region across those stakeholder groups–at places like WKU, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and state agencies across the Commonwealth – it was clear that others shared that passion and vision. And Logan Aluminum’s participation in the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP) provided our organization with connections to others throughout the state who shared a passion for strengthening the innovation ecosystem, a language for talking about that ecosystem, and a chance to see and hear from other regions around the world. In particular, we learned about how other regions approach building regional innovation around their comparative advantage industries–like our partners in Nova Scotia have done around the maritime industries with Canada’s Oceans Supercluster.

It has been gratifying to join seven of my industry peers to get MI2 off the ground. The passion among our Metals Leadership Council at our kickoff was strong. And it’s been encouraging to see that passion continue to be evident with our MLC meeting this week, as we hit the six-month mark since MI2’s formation. 

It is especially satisfying to see so many stakeholders whose work supports innovation here in Kentucky believe in MI2. I want to specifically thank WKU President Tim Caboni and his commitment to innovation and businesses in Kentucky.  The relationship with WKU and private business is unique and impacts our local economy in such a positive and productive manner.

MI2’s mission is to provide an environment where, together, we make Kentucky the preeminent destination for metals innovation. That’s only possible if we as industry leaders ensure that the metals industry has an environment where our schools, higher education institutions, government, startups, and economic and workforce development entities clearly understand what our industry is doing, what we need, and what opportunities we see on the horizon. I believed that–when metals companies provide that environment–those partners would bring their energy, intellect, and resources to the table and roll up their sleeves with us to prove out that potential. 

In six months, we’ve gone from a concept to fleshed out strategy groups filled with partners throughout our innovation ecosystem who are thinking together about our focus areas. We have projects and initiatives launching. And we have several more in formation. 

That continued partnership–that role as a meeting place between our industry leadership and our innovation ecosystem leaders–will define MI2’s success and growth. And I hope to see more leaders from our metals companies join us as we roll up our sleeve on the work to come.