Advanced manufacturing in Northeast Ohio could get a boost if a regional partnership led by Case Western Reserve University wins a $160 million grant spread across 10 years to boost the region’s manufacturing competitive (CWRU). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
NEO-SMART among 15 national finalists for grant
Northeast Ohio’s ambitious goal of becoming a national epicenter for advanced materials and industrial innovation over the next decade, with the goal of creating 20,000 manufacturing jobs, has advanced to the next stage.
It’s a winner-take-all contest when it comes to pursuing a big financial prize. But, even if this financial prize eludes Northeast Ohio, the partnership that’s seeking it pledged go on and continue to pursue new developments in advanced manufacturing.
Spearheaded by a consortium led by Case Western Reserve University, NEO-SMART (Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology) was named one of 15 finalists in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Program.
NSF Engines is designed to drive economic growth, enhance national security and create jobs by advancing critical technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and biotechnology.
“Ohio has a proud legacy of advanced manufacturing leadership, and NEO-SMART would take that legacy into the future,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a written statement. “By combining public investments, research capacity, and workforce training, we’re not just building factories, we’re building opportunities for Ohioans across the state.”
Increasing the region’s competitiveness in manufacturing can positively affect multiple economic sectors including construction, finance, transportation, hospitality and services. Northeast Ohio has experienced the rise and fall of manufacturing before and knows how pervasive its impacts can be (NEOtrans).
In July, NEO-SMART emerged as one of 29 semifinalists. The final step of the national competition for up to $160 million over 10 years includes an in-person site visit in the next few months.
Matching support from more than 50 regional NEO-SMART partners could further amplify the initiative’s potential.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the region and exactly what research universities should do,” said Case Western Reserve President Eric Kaler. “I am grateful to our excellent partners and to the leadership of Michael Oakes, the university’s senior vice president for research and technology management.”
“It’s all or nothing — we win or fail,” said J Michael Oakes, CWRU’s senior vice president for research and technology management in an e-mail to NEOtrans. “That said, CWRU is committed to this direction and the key partnerships will continue to yield good things. Winning the grant will accelerate and drive substantially more impact.”
Rich manufacturing legacy
Northeast Ohio’s history as a leader in American manufacturing is rooted in steel production, automotive manufacturing and heavy industry. But like many Midwest industrial centers, the region faced significant challenges and decline due to globalization and technological shifts.
When Northeast Ohioans think of manufacturing, they may think of a dirty job at a steel mill or an car assembly line. But advanced manufacturing can be different, and also include a wide variety of scientific research and laboratory work to stay competitive (Cleveland Clinic).
Despite such challenges, the NEO-SMART partnership believes the region’s skilled workforce, strategic location and robust infrastructure offer promising potential.
NEO-SMART proposes to harness this potential by revitalizing the manufacturing sector through cutting-edge innovation and collaboration to integrate advanced materials and smart technologies.
Multi-sector partnership
NEO-SMART is a partnership of more than 50 entities from diverse sectors, including industry, academia, job training, philanthropy and government.
The coalition includes major companies such as Avery Dennison, Avient Corp., Babcock & Wilcox, Bridgestone, Cleveland-Cliffs, GOJO Industries, Goodyear, Lincoln Electric, Lubrizol, Novagard, Peak Nano, Sherwin Williams, Smithers-Oasis and Swagelok.
But the involvement of small and medium-sized manufacturers vital to the region’s economic fabric is a key component. That is aided by the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) which provides resources, expertise and guidance to help them innovate and grow.
When many Clevelanders think of manufacturing, this is often the type of image they conjure. This was a Republic Steel mill on Scranton Peninsula seen from near where Columbus Road crosses the Cuyahoga River. Today, this 1950s scene (see below) is very different (private collection).
MAGNET, a partner in NEO-SMART and this NSF Engines application, aims for even the smallest manufacturers to contribute to and benefit from the advancements driven by NEO-SMART.
“NEO-SMART is an unprecedented collaboration of industry, institutional and civic partners to accelerate innovation in materials and advanced manufacturing,” said Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Baiju Shah.
“By leveraging our expertise in making things that matter, this initiative strengthens our region’s position in technologies critical to America’s economic competitiveness and security,” he added. “The business community is strongly invested in NEO-SMART as a catalyst for growth.”
Innovative workforce development
Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and Cleveland State University (CSU) are also important players in preparing the region’s talent for the demands of modern manufacturing.
By aligning educational programs with industry needs, these institutions ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary for emerging technologies. Their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship ensures that graduates are ready to meet industry demands and drive future advancements.
Scranton Peninsula in 2024 with construction progressing on hundreds of new riverfront apartments like The Collins where the steel mill stood. But manufacturing is needed and some forms of advanced manufacturing are relatively clean and quiet and can be accomplished in close proximity to residential (NRP Group).
“Lorain County Community College is a committed partner in ensuring the region’s talent pipeline is ready to meet the promise of NEO-SMART,” said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger.
Transformative goals and vision
At the core of NEO-SMART’s proposal is a transformative 10-year vision to:
- Create 20,000 jobs across the 18-county region.
- Drive economic prosperity by fortifying domestic supply chains in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defense and medical devices.
- Accelerate innovation by advancing key technologies like artificial intelligence/machine learning in manufacturing and fostering new entrepreneurship.
- Train Ohio’s future workforce for “in-demand” and meaningful jobs.
“NEO-SMART reflects a statewide strategy of aligning talent development, site readiness, innovation and investment to position Ohio as the national leader in advanced manufacturing,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.
Construction is due to be completed next year on Case Western Reserve University’s new $300 million Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building, a facility that is expected to increase Northeast Ohio’s competitive in advanced manufacturing and other scientific innovations (CWRU-HGA).
“Together, we can strengthen supply chains, accelerate R&D and secure long-term economic growth for communities across the state,” he added
Potential impact for NE Ohio
Manufacturing and healthcare are dual engines of Northeast Ohio’s economy. NEO-SMART aims to modernize and transform the region’s manufacturing core by focusing on advanced materials for medical devices and smart technologies for industry.
The initiative collaborates with Akron’s Polymer Hub, Ohio TechCred and MAGNET, among others.
“As Northeast Ohioans, we’ve long recognized our region’s role in strengthening America’s industrial supply chains through leadership in smart manufacturing and advanced materials,” said Steve Fritsch, Team NEO’s vice president of industry advancement and engagement.
“The National Science Foundation’s recognition of NEO-SMART underscores Northeast Ohio’s critical place in driving U.S. competitiveness and growth,” Fritsch said. “Manufacturing is not only vital to our economic prosperity but also to our national security, ensuring that essential goods and technologies remain within our control.”
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