Case Western Reserve University-led regional economic development consortium advances as finalist for National Science Foundation’s transformative ‘Engines’ initiative

Northeast Ohio’s ambitious goal of becoming a national epicenter for advanced materials and industrial innovation over the next decade has advanced to the next stage. 

Spearheaded by a consortium led by Case Western Reserve University, NEO-SMART (Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology) has been named one of 15 finalists in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Program. 

NSF Engines is designed to drive economic growth, enhance national security and create jobs by advancing critical technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and biotechnology.

“Ohio has a proud legacy of advanced manufacturing leadership, and NEO-SMART would take that legacy into the future,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “By combining public investments, research capacity, and workforce training, we’re not just building factories, we’re building opportunities for Ohioans across the state.”

In July, NEO-SMART emerged as one of 29 semifinalists. The final step of the national competition for up to $160 million over 10 years includes an in-person site visit in the next few months. 

Matching support from more than 50 regional NEO-SMART partners could further amplify the initiative's potential.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the region and exactly what research universities should do," said Case Western Reserve President Eric W. Kaler. "I am grateful to our excellent partners and to the leadership of Michael Oakes, the university’s senior vice president for research and technology management.”

Rich manufacturing legacy 

Northeast Ohio’s history as a leader in American manufacturing is rooted in steel production, automotive manufacturing and heavy industry. But like many Midwest industrial centers, the region faced significant challenges and decline due to globalization and technological shifts. Despite such challenges, the NEO-SMART partnership believes the region's skilled workforce, strategic location and robust infrastructure offer promising potential. 

NEO-SMART proposes to harness this potential by revitalizing the manufacturing sector through cutting-edge innovation and collaboration to integrate advanced materials and smart technologies.

Multi-sector partnership

NEO-SMART is a partnership of more than 50 entities from diverse sectors, including industry, academia, job training, philanthropy and government. The coalition includes major companies such as Avery Dennison, Avient Corp., Babcock & Wilcox, Bridgestone, Cleveland-Cliffs, GOJO Industries, Goodyear, Lincoln Electric, Lubrizol, Novagard, Peak Nano, Sherwin Williams, Smithers-Oasis and Swagelok.

But the involvement of small and medium-sized manufacturers vital to the region's economic fabric is a key component. For example, as a committed partner, the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET)—which provides resources, expertise and guidance to help them innovate and grow—aims for even the smallest manufacturers to contribute to and benefit from the advancements driven by NEO-SMART.

“NEO-SMART is an unprecedented collaboration of industry, institutional and civic partners to accelerate innovation in materials and advanced manufacturing,” said Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Baiju R. Shah. “By leveraging our expertise in making things that matter, this initiative strengthens our region's position in technologies critical to America’s economic competitiveness and security. The business community is strongly invested in NEO-SMART as a catalyst for growth.”

Innovative workforce development

Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and Cleveland State University are key players in preparing the region's talent for the demands of modern manufacturing. By aligning educational programs with industry needs, these institutions ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary for emerging technologies. Their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship ensures that graduates are ready to meet industry demands and drive future advancements.

“Lorain County Community College is a committed partner in ensuring the region’s talent pipeline is ready to meet the promise of NEO-SMART,” said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger.

Transformative goals and vision

At the core of NEO-SMART’s proposal lies a transformative 10-year vision to:

• Create 20,000 jobs across the 18-county region.
• Drive economic prosperity by fortifying domestic supply chains in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defense and medical devices.
• Accelerate innovation by advancing key technologies like artificial intelligence/machine learning in manufacturing and fostering new entrepreneurship.
• Train Ohio's future workforce for "in-demand" and meaningful jobs.

“NEO-SMART reflects a statewide strategy of aligning talent development, site readiness, innovation and investment to position Ohio as the national leader in advanced manufacturing,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Together, we can strengthen supply chains, accelerate R&D and secure long-term economic growth for communities across the state.”

Potential impact for Northeast Ohio

Manufacturing and healthcare are dual engines of Northeast Ohio’s economy. NEO-SMART aims to modernize and transform the region's manufacturing core by focusing on advanced materials for medical devices and smart technologies for industry. The initiative collaborates with Akron’s Polymer Hub, Ohio TechCred and MAGNET, among others.

“As Northeast Ohioans, we’ve long recognized our region’s role in strengthening America’s industrial supply chains through leadership in smart manufacturing and advanced materials,” said Steve Fritsch, Team NEO’s vice president of industry advancement and engagement. “The National Science Foundation’s recognition of NEO-SMART underscores Northeast Ohio’s critical place in driving U.S. competitiveness and growth. Manufacturing is not only vital to our economic prosperity but also to our national security, ensuring that essential goods and technologies remain within our control.”