How universities help manufacturers with technology testing, adoption

At some point, all manufacturers face challenges beyond their expertise. This is especially true when it comes to technological advancements; it's impossible to stay informed about every new development in your industry.

However, you might be surprised to learn that local organizations with technical expertise often have access to cutting-edge equipment and provide low-cost (or even no-cost) labor to assist your company and other nearby manufacturers.

Webinar: Tons of tips from three experts on ‘Being Digital’

Universities, trade schools, and other educational institutions are among these partners that can provide low-cost or free resources to address financially burdensome problems. These institutions benefit from access to real-world applications and industry insights while their students are better prepared for the workplace. In return, manufacturers gain access to advanced technologies, potential employees, and research to overcome operational challenges.

For example, research institutions typically are in search of industry-sponsored projects to assign to students. Many universities support projects with a professor overseeing small groups of students who work with local companies to complete a project.

The synergy between university resources and industry expertise creates a source of practical knowledge for students. They can assist manufacturers in a host of ways—from experimenting with technology in real-life settings to establishing connections with experts in their communities.

Working with universities, benefits and results

Engaging in technology-driven collaborations with educational institutions allows for swift and effective outcomes. This is especially true where universities offer access to specialized equipment or expertise that might be otherwise inaccessible or prohibitively expensive, such as in the case of a university that creates innovative products for specialized bridge design. A university’s expertise can result in access to advanced materials and experience that might otherwise be difficult to access.

Podcast: Manufacturing's future depends on industry reaching students

Another clear benefit is the opportunity to connect with students and potential future employees. Many university collaborations include capstone projects, where graduating students undertake significant projects as part of their final academic requirements. These students will visit a facility, gaining firsthand insight into its operations, company, work environment, and culture. These projects also serve as a direct hiring pipeline, offering a pool of promising candidates.

Other benefits include various ways in which the university will highlight a company’s participation, such as contributing to the university by enhancing its expertise in state-of-the-art technology and specialized resources, networking in a community of interest, and creating desirable job prospects for companies.

Areas where universities or trade schools can help

Manufacturers frequently collaborate with universities and leverage their engineering expertise to use new technology to solve operational or performance challenges. These partnerships typically focus on addressing product development challenges, implementing design changes for products and components, and integrating new technology into operations. Additionally, these collaborations assist manufacturers in tackling critical workforce issues by helping them identify skilled talent to operate these systems and provide technical support.

Areas where universities are working with manufacturers include 3D printing—to learn how to design and produce parts through additive manufacturing. Digital twins are enabling small to medium-size manufacturers to conduct engineering validation of emerging technologies such as robotics and automated systems before purchasing components or disrupting production.

Establishing expectations and effective communication

Manufacturers in search of external assistance tend to seek prompt resolutions for unexpected complications. However, most engagements with universities typically involve semester-long structured projects, which means the work isn’t based on the client’s agenda; it complies with the university’s academic schedule. Therefore, not every project will perfectly align with a university’s expectations.

Effective communication is a key consideration while conducting these projects. Often, it involves kickoff meetings, regular weekly or bi-weekly progress updates, midterm reviews, and final wrap-up sessions. Occasionally, a significant project’s duration can carry over from one semester to the next, demanding the involvement of a brand-new group of students engaging around new objectives and expectations.

Expenses may be incurred when conducting these projects, yet they are typically minimal or included within a larger engagement. Above and beyond the financial costs, these projects will primarily consume time.

Podcast: Technology's role in closing the skills gap

Intellectual property considerations are important when partnering with a university. Before finalizing any engagement, ensure the institution’s policies on intellectual property, licensing, and royalties have been reviewed and acknowledged.

Collaborating with universities offers a wealth of opportunities for manufacturers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and build a pipeline of skilled talent.

By tapping into the specialized resources and expertise that educational institutions provide, companies can stay ahead of technological trends and enhance operations.

If your company is ready to explore the benefits of such a partnership, now is the time to take action. Reach out to your local university, community college or trade school to start a conversation about the possibilities to collaborate to drive business forward.