Closing the Skills Gap (IMAGE) Clemson University Caption Laine Mears, the BMW SmartState Chair in Automotive Manufacturing, is leading a new $3 million program that could help close the skills gap in advanced manufacturing. Credit Clemson University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.