A £2.2 million project led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has so far supported 90 organisations and upskilled 250 people to explore how data science and artificial intelligence (AI) can boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness across Scotland’s manufacturing sector.
The Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab (D3M Colab), delivered by NMIS, operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, is helping to close the gap between manufacturing and digital technologies by giving engineers the confidence and practical skills to apply data-driven methods within their own businesses.
Through hands-on projects and tailored training, participating companies are learning to use data to solve real-world industrial challenges, from improving production processes and quality control to enhancing equipment reliability. Many are applying new methods immediately within their businesses, embedding data-driven decision-making where it can have the greatest impact.
Projects with major aerospace and energy companies, for example, have focused on automating energy-use analysis and using 3D model-based tolerance tools to cut emissions, reduce waste, and improve accuracy of critical components, supporting better performance and reduced rework.
To date, over 120 projects across sectors including food and drink, construction, and electronics have demonstrated how Scottish manufacturers are using data-driven methods to achieve measurable improvements in performance, quality, and sustainability.
A project with West College Scotland and Ailsa Reliability is extending these benefits into the workforce pipeline. Apprentices are gaining hands-on experience with condition monitoring, using sensors and digital systems to track machine health and detect early signs of failure, ensuring that the next generation of engineers is equipped with the data-driven skills modern industry needs.
Andrew Sherlock, Director of Data-Driven Manufacturing at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (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.”
Participants receive tailored training in data science for manufacturing, followed by ongoing support from the NMIS AI in Manufacturing team and PhD students from the University of Strathclyde to apply new approaches in practice.
According to the UK Innovation Report 2025, manufacturers across the UK are increasingly adopting AI, robotics, and data analytics to boost efficiency and drive innovation. Yet adoption remains uneven, with fewer than half of companies having fully embedded digital tools. D3M Colab is helping close this gap by giving Scottish manufacturers structured, practical support to trial new technologies and realise their potential without disrupting daily operations.
The project is part of the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme, funded through Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation. The initiative is investing £100 million across 26 transformative R&D projects to accelerate the growth of high-potential innovation clusters, including the Glasgow City Region.
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About the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing R&D, innovation and skills facilities supported by a network of Partners across Scotland, all working together to transform the future of manufacturing.
The group has a national mandate to create and deliver inspiring, sustainable and translational research and skills for all by accelerating innovation in the manufacturing community.
It is where industry, academia and the public sector work together on ground-breaking manufacturing research to transform productivity levels, make companies more competitive and boost the skills of our current and future workforce.
The NMIS Group includes the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), Lightweight Manufacturing Centre, Digital Process Manufacturing Centre and researchers working with companies across the manufacturing community in Scotland, the wider UK and beyond – from aerospace giants to renewable energy disruptors, first-time inventors to household automotive names. It also includes the Manufacturing Skills Academy, which is transforming the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow and a Capability Network bringing together leading organisations from across the Scottish research and innovation, education and training communities.
NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde. It is supported by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Island Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Funding Council. It is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The flagship NMIS building is at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire. The distinct 11,500m2 heather-coloured building, opened in June 2023, houses the NMIS Digital Factory, Manufacturing Skills Academy, Lightweight Manufacturing Centre and publicly accessible, collaboration hub, with a window to the world welcoming all who pass to look inside the world of advanced manufacturing.
About the Innovation Accelerator programme
Led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, the pilot Innovation Accelerator programme is investing £100m in 26 transformative R&D projects to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation clusters – Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. Supporting the UK Government’s levelling-up agenda, this is a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local leaders to harness innovation in support of regional economic growth and help attract private R&D investment and develop future technologies.
Glasgow has a remarkable history rooted in industry and innovation and is home to world-leading science and technology expertise. The Innovation Accelerator programme will support the Region’s key economic aims of increasing productivity, delivering inclusive growth and achieving net zero.
