What is the Traditional Industries Program

TIP is a research partnership of Georgia's state government, traditional industries, and University System aimed at improving the competitiveness of Georgia's pulp and paper, food processing, and textiles/carpet manufacturers. Funded by state government and Georgia's three traditional industries, TIP brings industry leaders and University System of Georgia researchers together to develop and implement practical solutions to competitiveness problems that plague Georgia companies. Since 1994, the state of Georgia and its traditional industries have invested $80 million in research and technology development efforts.

TIP's research agenda is selected and directed by leaders from Georgia's traditional industries. A board of industry advisors identify competitiveness problems, then partner with faculty from the University System to solve those problems. Industry advisors meet regularly to discuss and set priorities for critical competitiveness needs, and to monitor progress of ongoing projects funded by TIP. Once each year, TIP requests project proposals from faculty and researchers at the University System of Georgia. Projects are funded for a year at a time, for a maximum of three years.