Engineering, Development & Design

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Engineering Design and Development

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Michigan is home to clusters of manufacturers, suppliers, R&D facilities, universities and ancillary services that contribute to the state’s atmosphere of collaboration and heightened productivity, setting Michigan up to lead the world into the next generation of technology through research and development.

Michigan businesses spent $22.4 billion on R&D in 2018, ranking 4th in the nation.

Michigan employs 4,500 commercial and industrial designers, the most in the nation; we also have the highest concentration of these workers, four times higher than the national average.

Three of the top 100 U.S. research universities make up Michigan’s University Research Corridor. Michigan’s URC conducts 92% of academic R&D and 94% of federally funded R&D in the state.

Michigan has over 3,400 payrolled business locations in EDD industries; nearly 2,000 of those are in the engineering services industry

Michigan ranks 6th in the nation for patent awards (residents were awarded 7,268 utility patents in 2019).

Michigan has the most extensive network of autonomous vehicle and mobility testing infrastructure in the U.S.

The Power of Michigan's Engineering Talent

President and CEO of FANUC America, Michael Cicco discusses the immense talent available in Michigan and his success finding talent for his growing business with the help of MEDC.

Engineering Design and Development News & Success Stories

Driving Innovation: Exploring Michigan's Research and Development Landscape

With a rich history of innovation and commitment to fostering growth, Michigan serves as a thriving hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancements.

Commonwealth Industries Relocating Headquarters into Former Comerica Bank Building in Downtown Jackson

Commonwealth Associates, Inc. is an electrical engineering consulting firm whose primary services include engineering and design, consulting, and planning and studies. The company has purchased and renovated the recently vacated four-story Comerica Bank facility in downtown Jackson that will serve as its new headquarters facility and showroom for customers. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.2 million and create 60 engineering and office management jobs, supported by a $400,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant.

Michigan: A Home for Engineering Design and Development

Plentiful talent and a full pipeline make the state an attractive choice for companies in the engineering, design and development (EDD) industry.

KLA

When KLA began looking for locations to build its new research and development center in 2018, it was not short on options. Over 350 North American locations were in the running, creating widespread competition and a sea of viable candidates. But in the end, only one stood out as the best place for this Silicon Valley-based corporation to invest. Michigan.

Top Engineering, Design & Development Institutions in Michigan

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Michigan’s leading technology resources, investments in R&D facilities and universities, and talented EDD workforce are highlighted in several episodes of The Michigan Opportunity Podcast. Now in its third season, host Ed Clemente has been joined by several guests specializing in engineering, design and development. Click on the episode links to the right and listen to insightful conversations and hear about new, emerging global trends.

Recent Engineering, Development, Design Episodes:

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Living in Michigan

Michigan’s attractive business climate is surpassed only by its natural beauty and active lifestyle. With four seasons, 11,000 lakes and the country’s longest freshwater coastline, Michigan offers ample opportunities to enjoy recreational activities like boating, fishing, golf, skiing, hiking and more. Michigan is also home to the highly regarded Detroit Institute of Arts, over 100 wineries, and is a craft beer destination. We also have the lowest cost of living of any state in the Midwest. When it comes to living and doing business, nothing compares to Pure Michigan.

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Michigan is an Industry Leader

Mobility and Automotive Manufacturing

Michigan is the past, present and future of the global automotive industry.

Engineering Design and Development

As the world leader in automotive and mobility R&D, Michigan is driving the next generation of industry innovation.

Professional and Corporate Services

Companies continue to choose Michigan to locate their headquarters and businesses, tapping into the concentration of talent available for professional and corporate services industries.

Advanced Manufacturing

Michigan is building on its rich manufacturing heritage and technological know-how to develop the innovative, high-tech products of the future.

Life Sciences & Medical Devices

Michigan’s manufacturing prowess and core of world-class medical device companies make the state a top tier location for medical device development and manufacturing.

Tech

Michigan is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for protecting the security of systems and people across the state, country and world.

Semiconductor

Home to the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S., Michigan’s ability to support the semiconductor industry extends from being the global epicenter of the automotive industry.

Clean Energy

From the manufacturing of electric vehicle charging stations to solar panels and wind turbines, Michigan is a national leader in clean energy investments.