A £2.2 million initiative led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde, is equipping Scotland’s manufacturers with vital data science and artificial intelligence (AI) skills to boost performance and competitiveness.
The Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab (D3M Colab) has already supported 90 organisations and provided training to 250 individuals, helping to close the gap between traditional manufacturing and digital technologies.
Delivered by NMIS, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the project offers tailored training and hands-on support to enable companies to use data to address real-world challenges – from improving production processes and quality control to enhancing equipment reliability and reducing waste.
Skills and confidence
Dr Andrew Sherlock, Director of Data-Driven Manufacturing at NMIS, said: “Scotland’s manufacturers are ambitious about digital transformation, but many need structured support to turn awareness into action. This project provides companies with the tools, skills and confidence to embed data-driven approaches within their organisations, unlocking improvements in efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness.”
More than 120 projects have been delivered to date, involving sectors including aerospace, energy, food and drink, electronics and construction. These include work with major manufacturers to automate energy-use analysis and apply 3D model-based tolerance tools to cut emissions and improve accuracy in critical components.
Participants also receive follow-on support from the NMIS AI in Manufacturing team and PhD researchers from Strathclyde, helping them to apply their learning directly within their organisations.
Next generation
A collaborative project with West College Scotland and Ailsa Reliability is extending these benefits to the next generation, by training apprentices in condition monitoring using sensors and digital tools to track machine performance and identify early signs of failure.
According to the UK Innovation Report 2025, the use of AI, robotics and data analytics is growing across the UK’s manufacturing sector, although adoption remains inconsistent. D3M Colab is addressing this challenge by offering structured, low-risk support that enables companies to trial digital technologies without disrupting day-to-day operations.
The project forms part of the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme, which is funded through Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation. The programme is investing £100 million across 26 high-potential research and development projects to accelerate the growth of innovation clusters across the UK, including the Glasgow City Region.