Scottish Manufacturers Boosted by £2.2M AI Initiative

A new initiative in Scotland is transforming the manufacturing landscape, as a £2.2 million project has already supported 90 organisations and enhanced the skills of 250 individuals. The *Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab* (D3M Colab), spearheaded by the *National Manufacturing Institute Scotland* (NMIS), focuses on harnessing data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase productivity and competitiveness across the manufacturing sector.

The D3M Colab addresses the gap between traditional manufacturing processes and digital technologies. By equipping engineers with the necessary skills to implement data-driven strategies, the initiative aims to foster a culture of innovation within companies. Through a combination of hands-on projects and customized training, participants are learning to leverage data for practical applications that resolve pressing industrial challenges. These include enhancing production processes, improving quality control, and boosting equipment reliability.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Many companies engaged in the D3M Colab have already begun to apply new methodologies within their operations. For instance, collaborations with major aerospace and energy firms have led to projects focusing on automating energy-use analyses and employing 3D model-based tolerance tools. These efforts not only aim to reduce waste and emissions but also enhance the accuracy of critical components, ultimately leading to better performance outcomes and decreased rework.

To date, over 120 projects have spanned various sectors, including food and drink, construction, and electronics. These initiatives have showcased how Scottish manufacturers are increasingly adopting data-driven techniques to achieve tangible improvements in performance, quality, and sustainability.

A partnership with *West College Scotland* and *Ailsa Reliability* extends the benefits of this initiative into the workforce pipeline. Apprentices are gaining practical experience in condition monitoring, utilizing sensors and digital systems to track machine health and detect early signs of failure. This hands-on training ensures that the next generation of engineers is equipped with the essential data-driven skills that modern industries require.

Supporting Digital Transformation

According to *Andrew Sherlock*, director of data-driven manufacturing at NMIS, Scottish manufacturers are eager to embrace digital transformation. However, he notes that many require structured support to translate their awareness into actionable strategies. “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,” Sherlock stated.

Participants receive tailored training in data science specific to manufacturing, complemented by ongoing support from the NMIS AI in Manufacturing team and PhD students from the *University of Strathclyde*. This structured approach is crucial as the *UK Innovation Report 2025* indicates that while manufacturers across the UK are increasingly integrating AI, robotics, and data analytics, the adoption remains uneven. Less than half of companies have fully embedded digital tools, which D3M Colab aims to address by offering Scottish manufacturers practical support that does not disrupt daily operations.

The D3M Colab initiative is part of the *Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme*, which is funded through *Innovate UK* on behalf of *UK Research and Innovation*. This broader initiative is investing £100 million across 26 transformative research and development projects to accelerate the growth of high-potential innovation clusters, including those in the Glasgow City Region.

As Scotland’s manufacturing sector continues to evolve, the D3M Colab stands out as a pivotal project, empowering organisations to embrace the future of manufacturing through data and technology.