Responding to layoffs with entrepreneurial strategies: Kokomo

In Kokomo, we are developing new strategies for managing the downsizing of Delphi. In mid-August, the company announced a cutback of 600 to 800 salaried positions, 450 of which are scheduled for cuts this year. Many of these salaried staff are highly skilled engineers.

The talent is in demand, but how can we retain as many of these people as possible? We are focusing on engineers with some entrepreneurial interests.

The WIRED focus is on strategies to retain this brainpower and talent in Kokomo.

• We are working on a flow chart  to get a conceptual model of the people facing downsizing;
• We are designing a new initiative that focuses on meeting the challenges of industrial transformation through innovation and entrepreneurship; and
• We are taking a long term view: next generation automotive; emerging energy; nanotech; medical devices; and aerospace.

This initiative will be housed in Inventrek.

We are looking at several components to include, such as Fast Trac from the Kauffman Foundation and Invention to Venture. We are also looking at how Kalamazoo adjusted to the Pfizer downsizing.

Here is an example of the type of companies we are already spinning out:

and

If you are interested in this initiative or think you can help us, please contact Jan Hendrix.