The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) is a regional initiative led by the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) to position Southeast Michigan as a global hub for advanced mobility innovation, design, and manufacturing. Supported by a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, GEM advances this vision through coordinated strategies focused on technology development, business attraction, site readiness, and talent transformation across the 11-county Detroit region.
From Technology Priorities to Workforce Demand
In 2024, GEM commissioned the Future Mobility Technology Study (FMTS), conducted by S&P Global Mobility, to identify the advanced mobility technologies with the greatest growth potential through 2030. The study identified seven priority technology areas:
- Propulsion batteries
- Electric motors
- Hydrogen fuel cell systems
- Power electronics
- Assembly automation
- Thermal systems
- Software-defined vehicles
Building on these findings, SEMCA, DRP, and GEM launched the GEM Technology Talent Study in 2025 to examine how these emerging technologies translate into workforce demand. The study analyzed labor supply, occupational demand, skill requirements, and talent transition opportunities to help align the region’s workforce with the needs of advanced mobility industries.
Identifying the 32 Target Mobility Careers
One of the key outcomes of the GEM Technology Talent Study was the identification of 32 target occupations that are critical to the development, production, and maintenance of advanced mobility technologies. These occupations fall into three categories:
- Production
- Repair and Maintenance
- Scientists and Engineers
The occupations were selected through a data-driven process that included labor market analysis, mapping occupations to priority mobility technologies, assessing employer skill demand, and validating findings through industry interviews. This approach ensured the final list reflects both current employer needs and future workforce opportunities.
Purpose of This Career Profile Collection
Developed by the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN), the GEM Mobility Career Profiles translate findings from the GEM Technology Talent Study into standardized, occupation-level resources. Together, these profiles highlight why each career was prioritized, how it connects to the region’s advanced mobility strategy, and the role it plays in strengthening Southeast Michigan’s competitiveness.
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