Research & Development
Michigan’s ranking as a national leader in the intensity of R&D investment as a percentage of state GDP is due in part to our industries and institutes of advanced study. The greater Detroit metropolitan region is home to more than 80% of the world’s automotive research and development.
Southeast Michigan’s rich talent pool has helped grow the Aerotropolis into a premier destination for research and development across a variety of industries.
Top R&D Employers
Visteon Corp.
Visteon established its global headquarters Van Buren Township in a state-of-the-art technical center. With more than 11,000 employees worldwide, Visteon is a global leader in automotive cockpit electronics, posting revenues of $3.25 billion in 2015 and serving companies such as Ford, BMW, GM, Honda, Nissan, and more.
GE
GE’s Detroit Digital Hub, located in the Aerotropolis region, is home to more than 800 employees. GE, a Fortune Top 10 Company, recently announced plans to hire 300 more by 2018. With a focus on advanced manufacturing technology, software, and information technology, GE has taken advantage of our region’s talented workforce to establish the Digital Hub as one of the largest concentrations of tech talent globally.
Other Notable R&D Facilities
Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
Eastern Michigan University Coatings and Research Institute (CRI)
The Automotive Research Center (ARC)
University of Michigan Energy Institute
University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)
