Manufacturing: A Report on the Industry 2004
Abstract
Manufacturing has been the heart and soul of the U.S. economic engine for over 100 years. Manufacturing has propelled the United States to victory in multiple world wars and fueled its leadership role in developing a global economy in the 20th century. However, many fear that something is desperately wrong with the current state of U.S. manufacturing, citing recent job losses as one sign of illness. The debate quickly turns to blaming the "globalization" of the economy, which allegedly lured U.S. manufacturing jobs overseas. Many believe that globalization challenges the U.S. manufacturing industry and therefore poses a significant threat to national security. But is this really so? From January to June 2004, the Manufacturing Industry Study seminar looked broadly at the manufacturing sector, both in the United States and abroad. The group listened to advocates for the manufacturing industry, academia, and government, and then visited their institutions to assess the state of this sector. The final product of the seminar, this report defines the manufacturing sector, assesses the current state of manufacturing in the United States, examines challenges and opportunities for the industry (e.g., productivity, employment, competitiveness, outsourcing, global markets, innovation, sustaining and disruptive technologies, robotics, nanotechnology, labor shortages), examines the role of government in fostering the industry, and examines the implications of globalization from both a U.S. and international perspective. This study identified several strategies that must be accomplished by the government, industry, and government-industry partnerships to overcome manufacturing challenges and capitalize on the opportunities offered by the global economy. The report also reviews the Six Sigma approach to optimization and the importance of strategic materials in defense manufacturing. A table of 12 militarily useful minerals and metals is included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA435362
Entities
People
- Arturo Coronel
- Barett Byrd
- Bill Byrne
- Brian Blanchfield
- Donna Anzalone
- Mari-jo Campagnone
- Mike Falvey
- Rick Cornelio
- Ted Baltas
- Tony Albano
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy