The GWDC Learned:

• Asserting "meeting business needs" as an intended outcome is not an inexpensive goal, and collaboration with business needs to be supported through resources. Business may be willing and able to supply up-to-date equipment and / or other resources, but colleges and universities must have the resources to use the new equipment. Many times people make the assumption that collaboration automatically leads to a need for fewer public resources, but that is not always the case. Sometimes resources are needed to make major shifts within the educational system to ensure our post-secondary educational institutions continue to meet the needs of businesses as well as individuals.
  
  
• The importance of flexible resources. Oftentimes funds come from within funding silos, which are targeted for specific activities. If service providers and post-secondary educational institutions do not have flexible funding sources, they may have a difficult time meeting current labor market demands. Funds must be available, so opportunities, such as the one outlined above, can be capitalized upon immediately.
  
  
• Collaboration between business and education is necessary to ensure Minnesota's post-secondary educational institutions are meeting industry needs. Without the type of collaboration established between the Saint Cloud Technical College and Quebecor World, Inc., it would be difficult for public institutions to maintain their focus on current business needs. Resources are not abundant; equipment is expensive; and, technology and business needs change rapidly. At the same time, Minnesota must train its individuals for the jobs that are currently available and the jobs of the future to maintain its economic development advantage: its skilled workforce.