Research & Development
For advanced manufacturing to thrive in the St. Louis region, it will be essential to provide manufacturers and entrepreneurs with cost-effective access to R&D facilities, equipment, and the expertise of a broad array of researchers and subject matter experts across multiple manufacturing sectors.
ChallengeS &
OpportunitIES
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 98% of U.S. manufacturing firms have fewer than 500 employees and 74% have less than 20. With capital expenditures in manufacturing averaging 50% higher than the median of all sectors, it can be challenging to organically invest in R&D, however promising it may be.
In 2021, U.S. manufacturers spent $350 billion on R&D, with 65% funneled into the pharmaceuticals, electronics, and semiconductors sectors. Amidst this concentrated effort, a multitude of industries thirst for innovation. Herein lies the mission of AMICSTL: to ignite a transformative shift by fostering R&D collaboration across a broader array of sectors. AMICSTL holds the promise of uncovering hidden potential and reinvigorating sectors often sidelined in the innovation spotlight.
Making it happen
R&D takes money. Access to state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, high bay manufacturing space, and leading university and industry researchers in an innovative and collaborative environment saves it. Companies of all sizes will have the opportunity to magnify the impact of their R&D investments. This can be achieved by utilizing AMICSTL space and equipment when pursuing proprietary R&D, conducting joint research with AMICSTL partner universities, and participating in industry-driven / AMICSTL partner-funded collaborative R&D projects. This world-class R&D environment, driving collaboration across a range of industry sectors, will truly be an engine for manufacturing growth across the region.
Partners
in Research
In addition to supporting our workforce development efforts, AMICSTL’s college and university partners will play a key role in R&D. University of Missouri St. Louis and St. Louis University are the university co-chairs of our R&D efforts working with Washington University, Missouri Science & Technology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Harris-Stowe State University, and a growing list of research institutes. Our AMICSTL university partners will collaborate with AMICSTL industry partners to identify projects, share research insights, and support the commercialization of research and prototyping results. This will lead to de-risking the cost and accelerating the speed of innovation right here in the St. Louis region.
