About David Clayton
David Clayton is the Executive Director, Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CUICAR) | Assistant Vice President, Office of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
Clayton collaborates closely with industry leaders like Samsung, Bosch, and Ford to drive cooperative research and academic initiatives. As the inaugural executive director of Greenville Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI), he secured partnerships with major corporations such as GE, KUKA Robotics, and Hass Automation, while advancing cutting-edge equipment and curriculum development. Additionally, Clayton played a pivotal role as research division director at the South Carolina Department of Commerce, where he co-crafted the state's innovation plan, leading to the establishment of an innovation office and the introduction of the angel investor tax credit, catalyzing $20 billion in capital investment.
With a background in nuclear fuel design and gas turbine engineering, Clayton holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and an International M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina.
