Spring 2007. Industry Study. Manufacturing Industry
Abstract
The US manufacturing industry is the world's leading producer of manufactured goods. It is a significant driver behind the growth and prosperity of America's economy. On a global scale, if the US manufacturing industry were considered as a country by itself, it would rank as the eighth largest national economy in the world (National Association of Manufacturers [NAM], 2006, p. 5). US manufacturers are relevant, employing over 20 million Americans (directly and indirectly) and accounting for 15% of the US gross domestic product (GDP) (NAM, 2006, p. 4-5, 10). Manufactured goods also make up more that 60% of US exports and the manufacturing industry accounts for roughly 70% of US industrial R&D (NAM, 2006, p. 1). In addition to these contributions to our economic prosperity, US manufacturers strongly support national security by providing the foundation of our nation's defense industrial base. The Manufacturing Industry Study Seminar looked broadly at the manufacturing sector in the US. The Seminar assesses the US manufacturing industry to be competitive within the global economy, largely due to superior productivity and innovation. At the same time, the US manufacturing industry is facing challenges that threaten its competitive advantage in the global market. The three greatest challenges involve workforce demographics, structural costs (including government regulation), and future innovation. The Seminar visited several domestic manufacturing organizations as well as several in Russia and Germany to determine how the manufacturing industry is coping with these challenges. This paper provides options for the federal government to promote a successful future for US manufacturers. Additionally, this paper includes five essays focusing on topics that are significant to the manufacturing industry's support to national security. These topical essays cover trade policy, industrial continuity of operations, the environment, nanotechnology, and competition from China.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA521103
Entities
People
- Achille Broennimann
- David Jimenez
- Dens Hanley
- Douglas Cool
- Fernando Huerta
- Gregory Gutterman
- Mark Camerer
- Pierre-edouard Adenot
- Rosemarie Digeronimo
- Timothy Beckner
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy