A £2.2m initiative led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has already supported 90 organisations and upskilled more than 250 people as part of a major drive to embed data science and artificial intelligence (AI) 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 Catapult – aims to close the gap between traditional manufacturing and advanced digital technologies. The programme provides engineers with the confidence and practical skills needed to adopt data-driven methods inside their own businesses.
Data in action
Through hands-on projects and tailored training, participating companies are learning how to use data to solve real-world industrial challenges, from improving production processes and quality control to boosting equipment reliability. Many businesses are already applying new techniques on the shop floor, embedding data-led decision-making where it can deliver the greatest impact.
In sectors such as aerospace and energy, projects have focused on automating energy-use analysis and deploying 3D model-based tolerance tools to cut emissions, reduce waste and enhance the accuracy of critical components. These improvements are helping to reduce rework, improve performance and support sustainability goals.
More than 120 projects have been delivered so far across industries including food and drink, construction and electronics, demonstrating how Scottish manufacturers are using data-driven methods to achieve measurable gains in performance, quality and environmental impact.
Building the workforce of the future
A collaboration 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 future engineers are equipped with the data-driven skills modern industry demands.
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.”
Closing the digital adoption gap
Participants in the programme 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.
The UK Innovation Report 2025 notes that manufacturers across the country are increasingly turning to AI, robotics and data analytics to boost efficiency and spur innovation. However, adoption remains uneven, with fewer than half of firms having fully embedded digital tools. D3M Colab aims to close this gap by offering structured, low-risk opportunities for Scottish businesses to trial new technologies without disrupting daily operations.
Part of a wider innovation push
The project forms part of the Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme, funded through Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation. The initiative is investing £100m across 26 transformative R&D projects to accelerate the growth of high-potential innovation clusters, including the Glasgow City Region.
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