Industry & Technology

Center for Innovation Management Studies (CIMS)

The Center for Innovation Management Studies (CIMS) is a unique industry/university cooperative research center located at North Carolina State University. The center is established for the study of technological innovation and its management. Major corporations have joined with NC State and the National Science Foundation to support this national center of excellence. Its mission is to generate, synthesize and disseminate useful knowledge to manage technological innovation.

Industrial Extension Service

IES is the recognized leader and change agent for the sustainability and advancement of North Carolina industry.  Through process improvement solutions such as lean and Six Sigma, outreach and partnership opportunities through Extension Student Workers On-Demand and the NC Conference for Excellence, compliance solutions like ISO/Quality Systems and Health & Safety audits and assessments, certificate and awards programs such as Project Management, Master Black Belt, NC Shingo Prize, Manager of Environmental, Safety and Health, North Carolina Awards for Excellence, and Facilities Engineering and Energy Management diplomas, IES works with NC industries to help them reach their full economic potential.

Institute for Transportation and Research Education (ITRE)

The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) is a university-based institute committed to leadership in the study of surface transportation issues through:

• fostering analytical thinking
• integrating technology in education and research
• serving as a catalyst for problem solving
• cultivating professionals and students dedicated to excellence in transportation.

Natural Resource Economic Development Outreach Program - Wood Products

An outreach specialist works with the small wood products manufacturing sector in Western North Carolina to promote economic development through sustainable natural resource management and utilization. Working with wood products, manufacturers can grow sales, profitability and employment.

• Many large furniture plants have closed since 2000, putting thousands out of work.
• In many communities these employers paid the best wages and benefits in the area.
• Associated employment was also negatively affected.
• New opportunities are becoming available to start and grow existing wood product businesses.
• Manufacturers of a wide range furniture, wooden components, cabinets, moldings and doors are targets for this work.

NC Japan Center

Promote awareness of academic and business technology resources of North Carolina in Japan; encourage research linkages and Japanese investment into our state.

Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

Technology Specialists provide businesses with one-on-one counseling to assist in the commercialization of innovative technologies. The SBTDC technology team also provides assistance to technology transfer offices at universities and other institutions for the purpose of supporting their development of spin-off companies. Specialists provide counseling in the areas of: technology transfer, research and development funding (SBIR/STTR), intellectual property issues, networking/resource identification and financing alternatives.

Management Counseling - SBTDC

The SBTDC is a business development service of the University of North Carolina and provides management counseling to established firms, high-growth companies and later-stage start-up businesses. Counselors work one-on-one with clients and provide assistance with planning, financing, marketing, human resources and operations.

Management Education Services - SBTDC

The SBTDC's Management Education Services (MES) provide educational products and services to North Carolina small and medium-sized businesses. Our programs and services focus on change management, strategic positioning, action planning and leadership development. Any program can be customized to fit the needs of the client

Export Financing Services - SBTDC

The SBTDC's Export Financing Services (EFS) program provides service to those companies needing assistance with export financing, either pre-export (export working capital) or post-export financing (getting paid for a shipment and/or helping the overseas buyer find financing to purchase a product).

William R. Kenan, Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science

The William R. Kenan, Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science promotes partnerships in basic research, education, commercialization and public outreach with individuals and organizations dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering and technology as forces towards improving the economic and social well being of the nation and the world. Institute activities are focused on four major initiatives: high technology basic research, science and math K-12

Textiles: Textiles Extension Education for Economic Development

The Professional Education Program consists of a series of seminars, conferences and executive education dealing with all aspects of manufacturing, products, operations and processes used by the textile and allied industries. These courses and seminars are 2 to 5 days in duration and deal with a variety of topics including Six Sigma, Protective Clothing, and Research. Also courses are available that cover all textile processing from fiber to fabricated products. Industry attendees consist of domestic and international personnel from CEOs to supervisory level individuals. Partnerships with the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. The Textile Clothing/Technology Corporation, the Industrial Extension Service of NC State University College of Engineering and the NC State University College of Management enhance the educational opportunities for the clients of the Professional Edcuation Program.