Northern Michigan University Assistant Professor Jongeun You has been awarded one of nine Future Shocks Challenge Grants for his case study on the integration of land use and water planning in Colorado. The Future Shocks initiative, led by the IBM Center for The Business of Government and the National Academy of Public Administration, is designed to help governments identify and develop core capabilities critical to building resilience.
“The nine case studies from around the world provide valuable insights into how government organizations have successfully implemented strategies and capabilities that enhance their mission, enabling them to be ‘future ready' and adequately prepared to respond to disruptive events,” said Dr. You, who teaches in NMU's Department of Political Science and Public Administration. “In an era marked by unprecedented disruptions, the ability to anticipate future uncertainties and effectively navigate crises is essential for leaders across all sectors.”
Colorado state government has garnered recognition for its effective approach to aligning land use with water resource management, he added. Dr. You's case study highlights core pillars that underpin the state government's efforts in linking land and water, offering practical insights and actionable steps that other governments can adopt in their preparations for and responses to water scarcity.
“As part of the Future Shocks initiative, we will continue to curate and share examples where governments and global partners have successfully built resilience to shock events,” stated the IBM Center for The Business of Government. “We would like to thank the authors behind these stories, and we hope the practices they share will inspire and guide leaders across all sectors in building a safer, more resilient future.”
Showcasing and advancing faculty/student research like Dr. You's is among 12 strategies and priorities NMU Academic Affairs announced for the current academic year to support both the university's new “Our Compass” strategic plan, and to advance the core academic functions of the university.
Learn more about the Future Shocks Challenge Grant competition here.