WORKING GROUPS
MADE IN AMERICA:
THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING
Since the 1990s, the manufacturing sector in the United States has shed more than five million jobs, dropping from over 17 million to fewer than 12 million today. The contraction of American manufacturing’s share of both U.S. GDP and global production has reverberated through the U.S. economy, because one in six private sector jobs is strongly linked to manufacturing.
Despite this decline, American manufacturing remains globally competitive and continues to be an important source of low- to high-skilled jobs throughout the country. Furthermore, opportunities in clean energy and the establishment of U.S. factories by foreign companies suggest that manufacturing in the U.S. may be primed for an upswing.
This Working Group will explore how to foster sustainable growth in U.S. manufacturing. By increasing innovation and noncompetitive collaboration within industry clusters, enhancing access to domestic and international markets, attracting foreign investment in American industry, and expanding clean-energy manufacturing opportunities, the American manufacturing sector will once again lead the way as the next economy takes shape.
SUBTOPICS
STRENGTHENING REGIONAL CLUSTERS
Regional clusters can enhance the competitiveness and increase the profitability of small and mediumsize manufacturers as well as large multinational corporations.
THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE
Industries and communities can collaborate to improve access to foreign markets and encourage foreign companies to establish manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION
Reinforcing the connection between R&D and manufacturing will provide a valuable engine for innovation, product development, and job creation.
CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
Innovators and companies can develop advanced technologies and improve the efficiency of traditional manufacturing in order to foster clean-energy manufacturing.
THE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE
Businesses, educators, and governments can work together to build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and strengthening competitiveness.
BUILDING FOR MANUFACTURING
Various stakeholders can collaborate on strategic investments in facilities, land use, and infrastructure.