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.
