The WIRED Initiative (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development), launched in November 2005, stresses the critical role talent development plays in creating effective regional economic development strategies. WIRED goes beyond traditional strategies for worker preparation by bringing together state, local and federal entities; academic institutions (including K-12, community colleges and universities); investment groups; foundations; and business and industry to address the challenges associated with building a globally competitive and prepared workforce. Click here for more information on WIRED from U.S. DOL.