Strategic partnerships are essential in meeting the challenges of the 21st century economy. A comprehensive workforce development program must engage a broad array of human capital and economic development stakeholders in order to support continued state and regional economic growth. The WDSG is involved in conducting field-based research for domestic and international clients on some of today's most important workforce development topics including: Improving linkages between workforce and economic development Establishing partnerships between the workforce development system and community colleges Improving alignment of the workforce development system with employers' skill requirements Using workforce intelligence for economic development and education decision making Strengthening transitions from secondary to postsecondary education, advanced training, and employment