Manufacturing evolved in the United States through geographic clusters that produced competitive advantages in expertise, scale of operations, research prowess, and skilled labor. The origin of the automotive sector is an example of a regional cluster, with vehicles assembled in the Detroit area from parts and components manufactured in the upper...

The growth in electronic devices, smart machines and connectivity throughout the world means almost every industry is dependent upon semiconductors. A global shortage of microelectronic semiconductor chips, made worse with changing demands and supply chain issues, has disrupted U.S. automobile manufacturers and is expected to impact consumer...

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way manufacturers recruit, train and develop their workforce. Long term, this shift will work in manufacturers' favor as online learning is also key to developing the skills necessary to leverage the emerging technologies that will give rise to the advanced manufacturing economy of the future.