Research, Engineering & Design

Detroit researches, designs, and engineers, like nowhere else in the world

Few places have the talent and ingenuity to innovate through every step of the product life cycle, from concept to consumer. Of course, few places are like Detroit. A region where engineers, world-class research universities, and innovative, global companies are designing the solutions to the world’s most complex challenges. It’s the place to be to research, design, and engineer the future.
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Research, Engineering & Design Regional Facts

97,000+
Jobs in Research, Engineering & Design
 

2,300

Businesses in the Industry Cluster
 
#2
U.S. Metro for Engineers and Technicians
 
$16.1 Billion
Gross Regional Product
of the Detroit RED Cluster
#6
State for Inventors
With 9,454 Patents in 2019

#3

U.S. Metro for Commercial and Industrial Designers

 

Wins & Testimonials

XL Fleet Moves to the Detroit Region

The Detroit Region continues to lead the charge for electrification in the automotive industry by attracting innovative EV companies like XL Fleet. From state incentives to talent recruitment, the Detroit Regional Partnership helped them every step of the way, supporting the creation of nearly 50 new jobs.

DEKRA

“Our new Automotive Test Center of Excellence in Michigan will be a beacon of advancements in electric mobility, reflecting our dedication to safety, sustainability, and the rich automotive culture of the region.”

– John Tesoro, President of DEKRA Americas

Satorius

“Ann Arbor was selected over many U.S. cities due to being strategically located at the crossroads of talent, technology and logistics, near customers and renowned universities.”

– Maurice Phelan, President of Sartorius North America

Expleo

Expleo USA, Inc. establishes its first North American research and development facility

TUV SUD

“The Detroit Regional Partnership, State of Michigan, MEDC and the city of Auburn Hills have all been excellent supporters of TÜV SÜD as we investigated and selected a site for our state-of-the-art lab in Auburn Hills.”

– Jonathan Drew, Head of Transportation Testing at TÜV SÜD

Ford to Accelerate Battery Development with $185M Ford Ion Park Lab

Fast Facts

Black Female Engineer Working On Industrial Machine In A Laboratory.

Top Design Talent

Detroit is the #2 U.S. Metro for commercial and industrial designers, with a higher overall talent density than Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles combined.
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The University of Michigan's modern business school in Ann Arbor

Higher Education Pipeline

The University of Michigan is the nation’s #1 public research institution for research spending with 11 highly ranked engineering programs.
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Woman welding in a manufacturing workshop

Global Design Hub

Detroit is the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the United States.
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Our Location Connects You with Opportunity. Explore The Detroit Region for Yourself.

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Alan Weber

Alan Weber

Managing VP, Business Development

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