OMI Engineering Technology Skills Research Published in Economic Development Quarterly

Authors Fran Stewart, OMI senior fellow, and Kathryn Kelley, executive director, authored a research article "Connecting Hands and Heads: Retooling Engineering Technology for the 'Smart' Manufacturing Workplace" to determine the engineering skills needed for advanced manufacturing careers. The February 2020 student published in Economic Development Quarterly ​analyzed US labor data on occupational skill requirements and employment projections through 2026 and connected the results with focus groups and follow-on interviews with manufacturers across Ohio. After exploring current and projected workforce challenges faced by manufacturers, the authors recommended an expanded role for universities in preparing and retraining the next-generation workforce. Developing engineering technology or applied engineering educational programs with multiple on and off ramps will facilitate the growing need for business-oriented engineering leaders to run the factories of tomorrow.  

The link to the Economic Development Quarterly article is available by clicking here.