On Feb. 26, Ball State University students participating in the Economic Development Studio visited the community to kick-off a two-year research project.
The project will analyze two key components of Kosciusko County: The first will analyze the status of the supply chain of the orthopedic industry, and the second will be an area analysis and urban design of the Winona Avenue Corridor in Warsaw. The project aims to equip students with extensive research skills while producing valuable insights for local economic development professionals and community leaders, according to a news release from OrthoWorx.
The supply chain study will shed light on the current ecosystem of the orthopedic industry, its socioeconomic impacts on employment and the local economy, and how these elements guide economic development strategies. The research will inform future decisions on funding and support the mechanisms necessary to navigate industry changes driven by emerging technological trends and global market dynamics.
Students will examine the historical background and current state of the healthcare industry, evaluating how Kosciusko County’s orthopedic sector fits within this framework. Additionally, they will identify emerging trends in innovation and technology which could impact the orthopedic industry providing recommendations for their implementation in Kosciusko County.
Winona Avenue has been identified as a key corridor connecting the Village at Winona to Warsaw’s vibrant downtown. The objective of the Winona Avenue Corridor research is to provide recommendations which are aimed at improving quality of place and enhance the corridor’s talent attraction capabilities. Students will address key issues such as enhancing place-based amenities, supporting small local businesses, improving multi-modal transportation options and developing attainable housing options. This will be done through examining the corridor’s location, natural frameworks, the surrounding transportation system and its connections to other key areas in Warsaw. This research will provide insights into critical parts of both the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) and Grace College Catalyst Corridor initiatives focusing on the future redevelopment plans for Winona Avenue, the release states.
“Through this project, the Ball State Urban Planning program continues its history of engaging with communities throughout the state of Indiana,” said Dr. John West, chair of the Department of Urban Planning, Ball State University. “Students have benefited enormously from the generosity of our partners in Kosciusko County. We hope that our students and faculty can provide OrthoWorx and its partners with useful insights to build on the success of the Orthopedic Capital of the World!”
The visit was coordinated by OrthoWorx, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, city of Warsaw and Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO). During their visit, students heard from a panel of community leaders, presented a Kosciusko County-Warsaw economic profile and listened to a panel discussion of orthopedic industry leaders. To wrap up the day, they toured Zimmer Biomet and participated in a walking tour of the Winona Avenue Corridor where they met with business owners along the way. Throughout the duration of the two-year project, students will intermittently visit the community to conduct research and present their findings.