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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Why Detroit is the Place to Be

Research, engineering, and design companies find Detroit to be an ideal launchpad for innovation and growth. By partnering with the experts at Detroit Regional Partnership, businesses gain personalized assistance with manufacturing site selection that seamlessly integrates research and design capabilities. Additionally, the region boasts abundant resources in workforce engineering, supported by reputable academic institutions and industry networks. With a proven track record in advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, Detroit fosters collaboration across verticals, creating an ecosystem primed for success. Ultimately, investing in Detroit opens doors to leading-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a vibrant global market for expanding research, engineering, and design services.

Our Location Connects You with Opportunity. Explore The Detroit Region for Yourself.

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Alan Weber

Managing VP, Business Development

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