Introduction to the New Product Development Center

Survival in today’s market requires new product development, strategic decision-making, and creative marketing tactics. Working with the New Product Development Center at Oklahoma State University, small manufacturers are able to see their innovative ideas come to life. The NPDC offers assistance in the creation of new product prototypes, all or parts of a business plan, and promotional materials. Using these NPDC services, manufacturers are able to generate new jobs and revenues, bringing prosperity to Oklahoma communities.

"Some small manufacturers have great ideas for new products; however, they lack the technical or financial resources to commercialize their innovations," said Doug Enns, Senior Applications Engineer with the Applications Engineering Porgram at OSU. "The NPDC offers those resources to help manufacturers become more effective in their production processes."

There are a few general guidelines for an NPDC project. The project must involve a small Oklahoma manufacturer with existing products and facilities, and the manufacturer must be willing to devote adequate time to the project. The new product development projects must have the potential to create at least 20 new jobs and annual revenues of $1 million.

Interested manufacturers may contact their local Oklahoma Manufacturer's Alliance Manufacturing Extension Agent or fill out an application here to have a project considered by the NPDC. Use this map to find your local MEA.

New Product Development
New product development projects, categorized by level of complexity, involve at least one Principle Investigator working with a small Oklahoma manufacturer to create a new product or improve an existing product.

Level one projects usually involve student capstone design teams working with the manufacturer to create a prototype. There is typically no contract or licensing agreements involved and the projects usually last between five and nine months.

Projects in Level two are typically completed by a student or team of students supervised by a faculty expert in the field of research. They are usually completed between six months to one year.

The NPDC works with a faculty PI on Level three projects to provide partial funding for prototype development. These projects require extensive technical and marketing research to limit the risk to the manufacturer and the NPDC. These projects usually lead to patentable products or concepts and last approximately 18 months.

Business Analysis
The business analysis program provides an in-depth look at the current business environment in the manufacturer’s specific industry. Services include new product market assessment, as well as overall strategy formulation. Deliverables include financial impact reports, market research reports, and in some cases, complete business plans. Utilizing these services, small manufacturers can better position their companies and brands in the global marketplace.

Marketing Communications
The marketing communications program offers manufacturers the opportunity to better promote their products to the public. This service gives companies a more professional image. From Web sites, magazine advertisements and brochures to new logos and business cards, the marketing communications program provides valuable deliverables to small manufacturers.

"The primary purpose of partnering with the NPDC is to allow students to work through a communications problem," said Dr. Cindy Blackwell, NPDC Communications Director and professor for the ag communications Campaigns class. "The secondary purpose allows students to see how communications is practiced by many small businesses. The real-world lessons have included seeing their materials be implemented before the campaign is completed to dealing with clients who have busy schedules."

Overall, the NPDC is working to improve the position of small Oklahoma manufacturers, assisting those manufacturers in gaining a better position in a competitive market. By offering new product assistance, business plans and creative promotional aids, the NPDC is helping manufacturers offer new jobs and increased revenue to Oklahoma communities.