Manufacturing Innovation Network Case Study: Sparking Regional Innovation through Knowledge Sharing

Devastated by a global economic downturn and foreign competition, a regional network of manufacturers had no way to connect with their peers who were suffering from similar business challenges. Learn how severe market conditions provided the inspiration for a regional Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) and social networking site that connected over 1,000 manufacturers. This case study describes how the MIN facilitates local and international transactions, establishes vital business connections and provides a knowledge exchange for sharing information, ideas and expertise. The site includes an expert blogger network, job board, company profiles, news feeds and topic-specific networking pages. With an online network, regional manufactures can now connect and collaborate with others in the local supply chain to increase efficiency and decrease costs.