A robust domestic manufacturing base is essential for the nation's security and prosperity and Ohio is a key player in driving those interests. Ohio is the 3rd largest state for manufacturing employment in the country with nearly 700,00 jobs in the manufacturing sector. The state produces more than $134 billion in manufactured goods annually and manufacturing in Ohio is a major driver of the state's economy, contributing over 17% to the GDP of the state. There are manufacturing operations in every one of the state’s 88 counties, with Cuyahoga County boasting nearly 9% of the total with 1,530 establishments alone.
The 2025 Connecting Innovation Policy and Practice in Ohio (CIPPO) event will feature NEO-SMART, Northeast Ohio’s proposal to National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program that aims to catalyze and foster innovation ecosystems across the United States for national and economic security. The region received an NSF Engine Development Award in 2023 to build a regional strategy for advanced manufacturing technologies in our region with research-driven discovery, development, translation, and commercialization, along with developing the needed workforce. The region’s proposal, Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) is currently a semifinalist in the current round of competition for an implementation award of up to $160M over 10 years. The consortium includes the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Team NEO, Cleveland Foundation, Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and Polymer Industry Cluster, Fund for Our Economic Future, MAGNET, JumpStart, JobsOhio, Lorain County Community College and the University of Akron, plus many manufacturing companies headquartered in the region.
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