Inside Wisconsin

Some Americans may think space has become a vast playground for billionaires, but these business and technology celebrities are not the only people with their eyes fixed far beyond our skies.

The federal government is poised to make its biggest investment in research and development since the end of World War II, the dawn of the space age, and the Cold War defense buildup, with hundreds of billions of dollars to improve U.S. competitiveness in a changing world.

It is “Roaring ’20s, 2.0” in much of America. Stocks are booming, cash is looking for smart places to invest, businesses are clamoring for workers, and materials and products of all types are slowly returning to the supply chain.

The latest round of financing scored by Janesville-based SHINE Medical Technologies was one of the largest — and likely the largest — in Wisconsin venture capital history.

 “Big Tech” has gone from hero to villain in the minds of many in a matter of a few years, and not for irrational reasons. Data privacy concerns, “big brotherism,” hate speech, and perceived censorship on social media platforms are all part of the mix.

There is no single answer for why the United States, Wisconsin included, is experiencing a shortage of workers in most industry sectors.

Just west of iconic Lambeau Field, in the shadow of the stadium that is home to the Green Bay Packers, a gleaming new building symbolizes the convergence of tradition and innovation in Green Bay.

Wes Schroll holds no grudges against all the potential investors who said “no” to putting money into Fetch Rewards.

Is there anyone in Wisconsin who didn’t visit a Kwik Trip convenience store sometime during the COVID-19 year? Judging by the numbers, probably not.

From a better way to integrate pockets in women’s sportswear to more effective heart monitoring during surgery, and from one-stop power conversion software to a pickup compost service, the top 12 in the 2021 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest represent a deep well of innovation.