By Michael Griffith, NWIRC Innovation Engineer
August 18, 2014
Apple introduced the iPhone 6 last month incorporating new technology developments into its flagship product. Also launched were two of Apple’s newest consumer product offerings, illustrating the effectiveness of their innovation-based business model. How does Apple do it?
Much like manufacturing continuous improvement, Apple continuously pushes innovation in terms of talent development, the acquisition, understanding and adoption of new methods and science, and the trial and commercialization of new products.
An innovation-based business model is not just for corporate conglomerates. All manufacturers can accelerate their innovation capacity, whether it’s the development of new products or the development of novel internal technology and systems to drive down costs, leverage resources and streamline operations.
Why innovate? Innovation increases business competitiveness! As such, the NWIRC is leveraging world-class Innovation Engineering services and methods to assist regional manufacturers develop new products, and develop and deploy manufacturing technology innovations. How?
One of several new Innovation-based services is the Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice Program. NWIRC places qualified Advanced Manufacturing and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students or recent graduates from Associate, Baccalaureate or Graduate degree programs into manufacturers to help accelerate innovation.
An apprentice at your business can help move lower urgency but significant initiatives forward, help your organization gain fresh new technology perspectives and ideas, and help you evaluate the potential of a full-time new hire.
To accelerate apprenticeships, the NWIRC coordinates match-making among manufacturers, educational institutions and prospective students, and offers mini-grant support to offset an apprentice’s wages for projects that gain significant business impact.
Interested in Innovation? Please contact me at 814.450.9752 for assistance!
Mr. Michael Griffith, having over 10 years of technical sales and product development experience, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, is Research Triangle Institute (RTI) certified in Innovation Engineering services.