First collaboration between top auto trade association and leading university on auto-related policy research and workforce development initiatives

New platform to boost University of Tennessee’s state mentorship pipeline

Washington — The University of Tennessee and Alliance for Automotive Innovation today announced the formation of an academic partnership.

The auto industry’s leading trade association created this new academic partnership to bring together leading universities and academic institutions across the country to collaborate on auto-related policy research, spur innovation, encourage workforce development initiatives and inform government policy.

The University of Tennessee is the inaugural participant in this initiative.

Automaking is Tennessee’s largest manufacturing sector, supporting 225,000 jobs and the production of 670,000 vehicles in 2023. Automakers have invested $12.5 billion in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing across Tennessee.

VIDEO: Watch University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd on the partnership HERE.

John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation said: “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.”

Randy Boyd, president, University of Tennessee said: “We are honored to be named the first academic partner of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to ensuring Tennessee remains a global leader in the automotive and mobility sectors. At the University of Tennessee, we view the rapid evolution of this industry as an opportunity to align our workforce development, innovation, and research efforts to meet its needs.

“Across the UT System, we are driving groundbreaking work in this space. From leading National Science Foundation-funded mobility innovation at UT Knoxville to pioneering automotive technology and quantum science research at UT Chattanooga, and from preparing a workforce for new OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in west Tennessee through UT Martin’s custom manufacturing programs to optimizing supply chains and advancing AI through the UT Center for Industrial Services, we are focused on solutions that propel this sector forward.

“This partnership is just the beginning. Together, we will develop the talent, innovation, and collaboration needed to shape the future of mobility and manufacturing.”

About the University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee is a statewide system of higher education with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis; the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county; and the statewide Institute for Public Service. The UT System manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its UT-Battelle partnership; enrolls about 62,000 students statewide; produces about 14,000 new graduates every year; and represents more than 454,000 alumni around the world.

About Alliance for Automotive Innovation

From the manufacturers producing most vehicles sold in the U.S. to autonomous vehicle innovators to equipment suppliers, battery producers and semiconductor makers – Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents the full auto industry, a sector supporting 10 million American jobs and five percent of the economy. Active in Washington, D.C. and all 50 states, the association is committed to a cleaner, safer and smarter personal transportation future. www.autosinnovate.org

Tags: Featured, Partnerships, UT System