DETROIT – Michigan is the global center for the automotive industry, and is now tasked with positioning itself as the center for Advanced Mobility and Connected Vehicle Technology, and nowhere is this more evident than at today’s MICHauto Summit 2015.
More than 400 participants gathered at Cobo in Detroit to interact on the challenge to promote, grow and sustain the leadership position of their own firms, and that of the state as well, in the emerging connected culture shaping Michigan’s future.
How we respond and adapt to the challenge, and work thru such obstacles as talent shortages resulting from the need for tech talent in every industry – including automotive – will shape our leadership position for future generations.
This year’s MICHauto Summit was made possible by sponsorship from over 60 organizations including: UMTRI, MDOT, MEDC and more. The Mobile Technology Association of Michigan was a media partner for the event.
Let’s look at some interesting facts that were shared by today’s speakers:
Michigan impacts the auto industry by having 23 percent of the assembly market with its 13 assembly plants, over 600 R&D Design Centers, and serving as the home for 61 of the top industry suppliers.
Michigan is leading Testing, Research and Design Services in the global vehicle market at a greater density than anywhere else in the world.
Talent is one of the new currencies. Starting with elementary STEM programs, boys and girls need to be made aware of the changes in the automotive industry and the great tech careers that they can have without ever leaving Michigan
In America, 12 – 17 percent of a family’s income is directed to transportation; in many other countries that figure rises to 40 – 60 percent of a family’s income
Looking at job growth on a statewide and national level, the demand is up substantially, but in Michigan the growth is explosive.
MICHauto Summit participants included top executives from transportation, technology and government as well as students from across Michigan.
It was exciting to see the event’s focus on the future and the youth that will be shaping that future. TechStars Mobility’s Ted Serbinski did an excellent job of explaining TechStars’ initiatives in Detroit, including the organization’s purchase of a house in the city where participating company teams actually live together during their time at TechStars while they build their firms.
Panel sessions and speakers covered a wide array of topics along with a wrap message from Governor Snyder. The underlying message – “The future is not a destination but a journey, and in Michigan we have the opportunity to make it great!”
See the MICHauto link to learn more: http://dld.bz/dVq24
