Engineering, Development & Design

Focus Industry

Engineering Design and Development

Engineering is what Michigan does. We have some of the highest concentrations of engineers and industrial designers in the country, backed by research universities that rank among the nation's leaders in R&D spending and businesses that invest billions in R&D every year. And these ideas don’t have to leave the state to become a product: companies here can research, prototype and refine new tech, then move that tech straight into production alongside experienced manufacturing partners.

Michigan businesses spent $26.6 billion on R&D in 2023, ranking 7th in the nation.

Michigan employs the highest concentration of commercial and industrial designers in the nation, nearly three times higher than the national average, and the second most overall.

Michigan has the greatest concentration of mechanical, commercial and electrical engineers, at more than three times the national average.

Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) has two of the top 50 U.S. research universities by R&D expenditure as of 2024. RU4M conducts 92% of academic R&D and 95% of federally funded R&D in the state.

Michigan has over 5,300 business locations in EDD industries, including; more than 2,700 in engineering services.

Michigan ranks 6th in the nation for patent awards accounting for 8,307 patents.

Michigan has the most extensive network of autonomous vehicle and mobility testing infrastructure in the U.S.

Watch

The Power of Michigan's Engineering Talent

President and CEO of FANUC America, Michael Cicco discusses the immense talent available in Michigan and his success finding talent for his growing business with the help of MEDC.

Engineering Design and Development News & Success Stories

Press Release

Geotab Establishes Engineering Center in Metro Detroit

Connected transportation leader deepens its investment in Michigan's automotive innovation ecosystem with dedicated product development and innovation hub

Press Release

Italian Automotive Design Company Chooses Bloomfield for U.S. Headquarters, Creating 24 High-Paying Jobs

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced Italian automotive design company Italdesign will establish their U.S. headquarters in Bloomfield, Michigan. Italdesign’s expansion will bring 24 high-paying jobs to the state and over $20 million in private investment to the local economy.

Press Release

Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Establishing Innovation Fund, R&D Tax Credit to Unleash Entrepreneurship, Lower Costs for Businesses, Create Jobs

Governor Whitmer signed five bipartisan bills to establish the Michigan Innovation Fund and an R&D Tax Credit. These new tools will lower costs for businesses, support innovators and entrepreneurs, and create and support good-paying jobs by ensuring businesses of all sizes have the tools and resources they need to reinvest in Michigan.

News

Driving Innovation: Exploring Michigan's Research and Development Landscape

With a rich history of innovation and commitment to fostering growth, Michigan serves as a thriving hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancements.

Success Story

KLA

When KLA began looking for locations to build its new research and development center in 2018, it was not short on options. Over 350 North American locations were in the running, creating widespread competition and a sea of viable candidates. But in the end, only one stood out as the best place for this Silicon Valley-based corporation to invest. Michigan.

Top Engineering, Design & Development Institutions in Michigan

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Michigan’s leading technology resources, investments in R&D facilities and universities, and talented EDD workforce are highlighted in several episodes of The Michigan Opportunity Podcast. Now in its sixth season, host Ed Clemente has been joined by several guests specializing in engineering, design and development. Click on the episode links to the right and listen to insightful conversations and hear about new, emerging global trends.

Engineering, Development, Design Episodes:

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Living in Michigan

Michigan’s attractive business climate is surpassed only by its natural beauty and active lifestyle. With four seasons, 11,000 lakes and the country’s longest freshwater coastline, Michigan offers ample opportunities to enjoy all kinds of recreational activities. We also have the lowest cost of living of any state in the Midwest. When it comes to living and doing business, nothing compares to Pure Michigan.

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Michigan is an Industry Leader

Mobility and Automotive Manufacturing

Michigan is the past, present and future of the global automotive industry.

Engineering Design and Development

As the world leader in automotive and mobility R&D, Michigan is driving the next generation of industry innovation.

Professional and Corporate Services

Companies continue to choose Michigan to locate their headquarters and businesses, tapping into the concentration of talent available for professional and corporate services industries.

Advanced Manufacturing

Michigan is building on its rich manufacturing heritage and technological know-how to develop the innovative, high-tech products of the future.

Life Sciences & Medical Devices

Michigan’s manufacturing prowess and core of world-class medical device companies make the state a top tier location for medical device development and manufacturing.

Tech

Michigan is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for protecting the security of systems and people across the state, country and world.

Semiconductor

Home to the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S., Michigan’s ability to support the semiconductor industry extends from being the global epicenter of the automotive industry.

Advanced Energy

From the manufacturing of electric vehicle charging stations to solar panels and wind turbines, Michigan is a national leader in advanced energy investments.

Engineering, Development & Design

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

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