8th December 2025

Image via NMIS

A £2.2m project led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has so far supported 90 organisations and upskilled 250 people to investigate how data science and AI can improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness across Scotland's manufacturing sector

The Data-Driven Design and Manufacturing Colab (D3M Colab), provided by NMIS, operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, is bridging the gap between manufacturing and digital technologies by enabling engineers to gain the confidence and practical skills to apply data-driven methods in their own businesses.

Participating companies are learning to utilise data to solve real-world industrial challenges, such as quality control, improved production processes, and enhanced equipment reliability, through hands-on projects and tailored training. Many companies are using these new methods immediately across their businesses, embedding data-driven decision-making where it can have the most significant impact.

For example, projects with aerospace and energy companies have focused on automating energy-use analysis and utilising 3D model-based tolerance tools to reduce waste and emissions, improve the accuracy of crucial components, and support better performance and decreased rework.

So far, over 120 projects have demonstrated how Scottish manufacturers are using data-driven methods to improve performance, sustainability, and quality.

A project with West College Scotland and Ailsa Reliability is extending these benefits into the workforce pipeline, enabling apprentices to gain experience with condition monitoring, using sensors and digital systems to track machine health and detect early signs of failure.

Andrew Sherlock, director of Data-Driven Manufacturing at 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 in the project receive training in data science for manufacturing, followed by support from the NMIS AI in manufacturing team and PhD students from the University of Strathclyde to apply new approaches in practice.

The UK Innovation Report 2025 found that UK manufacturers are increasingly adopting AI, robotics, and data analytics to improve efficiency and innovation. Despite this, adoption is uneven, with less than half of companies having fully embedded digital tools. D3M Colab is helping to close this gap by providing structured, practical support to Scottish manufacturers to trial new technologies.

The project is funded through Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation and is part of the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme. The initiative is investing £100m across 26 research and development projects to advance the growth of high-potential innovation clusters, including the Glasgow City Region.