The University of Tennessee and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators) have formed an academic partnership to collaborate on auto-related policy research, spur innovation, encourage workforce development initiatives, and inform government policy.

Auto Innovators says it created the initiative to bring together leading universities and academic institutions across the country. UT is the inaugural participant.

“Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents iconic automakers, suppliers, cutting-edge technology providers and battery producers with deep roots in Tennessee. Our organization and UT share a critical goal: support policies and develop research to make sure the auto sector stays globally competitive and remains an economic development engine in Tennessee’s auto-producing communities,” said John Bozzella, Auto Innovators president and CEO, in the release.

Automaking is Tennessee’s largest manufacturing sector, supporting 225,000 jobs and the production of 670,000 vehicles in 2023, according to a joint press release from Auto Innovators and UT. Automakers have invested $12.5 billion in the state’s electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to ensuring Tennessee remains a global leader in the automotive and mobility sectors,” said UT President Randy Boyd, in a video announcing the partnership. “At the University of Tennessee, we see the rapid evolution of this sector as an opportunity to align with our workforce development, innovation, and R&D efforts to meet the industry’s needs.”

Boyd added that, across the UT system, exciting and groundbreaking work is taking place including:

• • Mobility innovation at UT Knoxville funded by the National Science Foundation
  • Automotive technology and quantum science research at UT Chattanooga
  • Preparing a workforce for new OEMs in West Tennessee UT Martin’s custom manufacturing programs
  • Optimizing supply chains, workforce training, and advancing AI through the UT Center for Industrial Services

“This is just the beginning,” Boyd said. “We are committed to listening to your needs, developing the talent you require, and solving complex challenges. Together, we can ensure great strides in the future of mobility and innovation.”

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Featured image provided by University of Tennessee 

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