Iowa State University has partnered with the University of Illinois System and Western Illinois University to form the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute. (Photo courtesy of Iowa State University)
Higher education institutions involved in a collaboration crossing state lines are working to boost research and training in advanced manufacturing, utilizing the manufacturing hub of the Quad-Cities and support from the communities there.
Iowa State University has partnered with the University of Illinois System and Western Illinois University to form an institute aimed at manufacturing research and development, as well as workforce development and training.
The three institutions on Friday announced the launch of the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute. Peter Collins, ISU Stanley Chair in Interdisciplinary Engineering, called the institute a catalyst for greater investment in the Midwest’s manufacturing sector and collaboration with defense partners like the Rock Island Arsenal, an Army installation located in the area.
Researchers at ISU and the University of Illinois System already have experience working together. Collins said he started working two years ago with William King, Grainger College of Engineering Ralph A. Andersen Endowed Chair, on technical projects supported by the U.S. Department of Defense. These projects are aimed at protecting members of the military and their equipment, he said, such as developing new materials for lightweight armor and the like. Grainger is the engineering college of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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However, the idea of a larger initiative bringing in universities, community and industry partners to expand manufacturing research and work had been floating around the Quad-Cities for some time, with local people in support of the Department of Defense advocating for its creation. Collins said if a circle with a 60-mile radius was drawn around the Quad-Cities region, you’d find as many as 800 manufacturers in operation.
“This is a fruition of a lot of investment by local folks here, as well as the universities, so this is always kind of been where we want it to be,” Collins said. “So with the concept of the institute, I would say the elements of that preceded the technical work that was ongoing.”
ISU and the University of Illinois System will take the lead on research projects for the institute while Western Illinois University will focus on workforce development, Collins said, as that area is more in their wheelhouse.
“The launch of the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute marks a pivotal moment in Western Illinois University’s commitment to innovation and workforce development,” WIU Interim President Kristi Mindrup said in a news release. “This collaboration between educational institutions and industry will drive technological advancements and nurture a highly skilled workforce for the Quad Cities region and beyond.”
Collins said the universities met with community colleges in the area Friday, including Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and Black Hawk College in Moline, to talk about possible workforce development opportunities. St. Ambrose University in Davenport and Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. will also be tapped in the future for collaboration on programming and training.
While the Rock Island Arsenal is an important and obvious first partner in this launch, Collins said other companies are also playing a part in the institute, including John Deere.
“We’re going to be focusing on the research, but if we only do that without figuring out how to translate it into the hands of end users and industry and Rock Island Arsenal, then we’re kind of failing at our job,” Collins said.
The institute is being funded by investments by the universities as it becomes established, Collins said, but as it expands the institute will seek funding through grants and contracts with government and industry partners.
University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said in the release that the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute is a “powerful example” of driving economic opportunity and growth through partnerships in the public and private sectors.
“Iowa State University is proud to be part of this groundbreaking partnership to establish the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute,” said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen in the release. “This initiative will bring to bear our strengths as a land-grant university – fostering collaboration, conducting advanced research and developing innovations that support the local workforce and drive economic growth.”
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