Batesville manufacturer among winners of Governor’s Award for Global Trade – K8 News | Jonesboro, Arkansas

Report on the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview

The 15th annual Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade recognized several Arkansas-based entities for their contributions to international commerce. This report analyzes the achievements of the awardees in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting their impact on economic growth, innovation, health, and education.

Analysis of Award Recipients and SDG Contributions

1. Lifeplus International – Award for Exponential Growth in Manufacturing

   • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): As a manufacturer of vitamins, supplements, and healthcare products for both humans and pets, the company directly contributes to promoting health and well-being for a global consumer base.
   • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): A significant four-phase expansion project, including a new manufacturing facility and office space, is projected to create 150 new jobs, fostering sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in Independence County.
   • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The investment in new facilities represents the development of resilient infrastructure and promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

2. Push Plastic – Award for Rising Star in Exporting

   • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The company is expanding its workforce to meet global demand for its products, contributing to full and productive employment and decent work in Washington County.
   • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Operating within the innovative additive manufacturing sector, Push Plastic supports technological advancement and sustainable industrial practices through its global exports to markets including Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
   • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By manufacturing filament for 3D printing, the company supports a technology that can lead to more sustainable production patterns by minimizing material waste compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

3. FX3D – Award for Innovation and Impact in Manufacturing

   • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The company’s patented, 3D-printed inspection and assembly fixtures represent a significant technological innovation, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in high-precision industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense.
   • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): FX3D’s international success has led to the creation of high-skilled engineering jobs, evidenced by a 40% increase in hiring over three years, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Benton County.
   • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Exporting advanced manufacturing technology to global partners in Germany, Japan, and other nations strengthens global partnerships for sustainable development and technology sharing.

4. University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Center for Global Learning and Engagement – Award for International Impact in Education

   • SDG 4 (Quality Education): UCA provides inclusive and equitable quality education by welcoming 350 international students annually from 70 different countries, enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all.
   • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By actively recruiting students from a diverse range of nations, including many developing countries, the university helps to reduce inequality in access to quality higher education.
   • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The Center for Global Learning and Engagement actively builds global partnerships for sustainable development through international education, student mobility, and cross-cultural exchange.

Conclusion

The recipients of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade demonstrate a strong alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals. Through job creation, technological innovation, promotion of health, and fostering international education, these Arkansas organizations are not only achieving commercial success but are also contributing positively to a sustainable global future. The awards, a collaboration between the Arkansas District Export Council, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the Arkansas World Trade Center, effectively recognize entities that advance both economic prosperity and global sustainability targets.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues related to economic growth, job creation, industrial innovation, and international education, which directly connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary SDGs addressed are:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: This goal is central to the article, which focuses on companies receiving awards for their growth and contribution to the economy. The expansion of companies like Lifeplus International, Push Plastic, and FX3D leads to job creation and economic development in Arkansas.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article emphasizes advancements in manufacturing and technology. Companies like FX3D, with its “patented technology” for “high-precision industries,” and Push Plastic, a manufacturer in the “additive manufacturing community,” are prime examples of innovation driving industrial growth. The construction of a “new manufacturing facility” by Lifeplus also aligns with infrastructure development.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: This goal is addressed through the recognition of the University of Central Arkansas’s Center for Global Learning and Engagement. The university’s efforts to welcome international students and promote global learning contribute to inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities and achievements described in the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” This is evident in the recognition of FX3D, a “cutting-edge engineering company” specializing in 3D printed fixtures, and Push Plastic, which serves the “additive manufacturing community.” These companies represent technological upgrading and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
   • Target 8.3: “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation…” The Governor’s Award itself is a policy instrument that promotes and recognizes these activities. The article explicitly mentions job creation, such as Lifeplus planning to “hire 150 new employees” and FX3D seeing a “40% increase in engineering hires.”

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.2: “Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product…” The “Exponential Growth in Manufacturing” award given to Lifeplus and the expansion of other manufacturing companies directly contribute to raising the industry’s share of employment and economic output in the state.
   • Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors…” This is demonstrated by FX3D’s work with “patented technology” in “advanced manufacturing” for industries like aerospace and automotive, which directly involves upgrading technological capabilities.

3. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including… global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity…” The University of Central Arkansas’s Center for Global Learning and Engagement, which welcomes “350 international students” from “70 different countries,” directly fosters an environment of global citizenship and cultural diversity.
   • Target 4.b: “By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries… for enrolment in higher education…” While not mentioning scholarships, the university’s active recruitment of students from developing countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Nepal implies an expansion of higher education opportunities for students from these regions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
  • Number of new jobs created: The article states that Lifeplus will “hire 150 new employees in the next three years.”
  • Growth rate of employment: FX3D has seen a “40% increase in engineering hires in the last three years.”
• For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
  • Investment in industrial infrastructure: Lifeplus is “adding a new manufacturing facility and new office space.”
  • Growth in manufacturing output: Lifeplus was honored for its “Exponential Growth in Manufacturing.”
  • Development of new technologies: FX3D utilizes “patented technology” in its operations.
• For SDG 4 (Quality Education):
  • Number of international students in higher education: The University of Central Arkansas “welcomes 350 international students” each year.
  • Geographic diversity of student body: Students come from “70 different countries,” indicating a wide reach for global education initiatives.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kait8.com