The Manufacturing Industry
Abstract
The United States (US) is the world's largest producer of manufactured goods, enabling the military and other government agencies to meet national security requirements while employing millions of Americans. The manufacturing sector is comprised of disparate subsectors that compete domestically and globally. The Manufacturing Seminar visited manufacturers specializing in the production of goods from battery and body armor production to automobiles and ships. We met with domestic and foreign industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organizations, and learned that the sector's breadth and diversity make it difficult to obtain consensus and direction for the industry as a whole. Nevertheless, most US companies face similar challenges: high structural costs, increased foreign competition, and inadequate US trade, tax and monetary policies. These challenges have contributed to a decline of the sector's dominance from previous decades; however, it remains relatively healthy and productive. Our national challenge is to protect sub-sectors we must retain for national security and to devote our remaining resources to sectors where we are most competitive (e.g., nanotechnology, biotechnology, etc.). This paper summarizes the Seminar's research, defines manufacturing, and describes the current conditions of, challenges, and outlook for the industry. It also addresses the roles and responsibilities of government, industry and academia (to include recommendations). The paper includes four essays and provides a conclusion that discusses US competitiveness and national security. While manufacturing contributes less to US employment and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) today, it will continue to be a vital sector for the economic health, and consequently, the national security of our nation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA449495
Entities
People
- David C. Grohoski
- Dawson S. Oslund
- Herzi Halevi
- Janet Calahan
- John A. Klotsko Jr.
- Julieta V. Noyes
- Kenneth J. Rackers
- Steven L. Kett
- Steven Lett
- Timothy V. Shindelar
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy