University of Louisville's Commitment to Boosting Kentucky's Economy through Manufacturing Innovation and Partnerships

By: Laurie Young, EMBA, Director of Industry Partnerships, UofL Office of Research & Innovation

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As a research powerhouse institution, the University of Louisville is committed to making a meaningful impact on the economy of the Commonwealth. To that end, I am proud of our work with Kentucky manufacturers and with the Metals Innovation Institute (MI2) to create resources that help our industrial partners solve problems, innovate, boost productivity, retain and create jobs and compete in new markets here and abroad.

We do this in many ways, but we have a special focus on helping companies adopt disruptive technology.

In collaboration with MI2, the UofL Center for Organizational Readiness toward Enterprise 4.0 (CORE4.0) is helping manufacturers adopt — or adapt to — the disruptive technology at the core of the fourth industrial revolution. The new center is aimed at helping companies prepare for smart and connected technology such as automation, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

Connecting all of these efforts is the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KMEP), a new statewide manufacturing resource center backed by $13 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). The center helps industry partners leverage university expertise and capacity for research, business development, access to talent and other supports.

Kentucky has a strong and proud history of manufacturing — accounting for nearly 20% of the state’s total output and 13% of its workforce. You — our manufacturers — produce the products and materials that help drive Kentucky forward.

I’m very proud to support that work, and very proud that my office serves as the front door for industry wanting to leverage these resources. If we can help you solve problems, innovate and grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.