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As the primarily consumer of industrial abrasives, the manufacturing segment of the US economy has a key influence on the health of the abrasives industry. What are the long-term ramifications of heavy job losses in manufacturing and the shrinking share manufacturing plays in the US GDP? Following are some recent publications that look at the state of manufacturing, strategies to counter trends and revitalize competitiveness of US companies, and the role the US Government should play.
The trends and key issues are described in the A Framework for Revitalizing American Manufacturing, a report from the Executive Office of President released in December 2009. The report highlights the value of manufacturing to the US economy and the impact of labor costs and environmental standards on competitiveness in a world market. 2009 View report below The Manufacturing Institute, a charity funded by industry and acdemia, has published the 8th edition of The Facts about Modern Manufacturing in 2009, which. The 64-page report emphasizes the importance of innovation and offers an overview of challenges and strategies for changing global markets. View report Innovation is also the focal point of The Innovation Imperative in Manufacturing, a report published in 2009 by the Boston Consultant Group in cooperation with the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute. Results of their survey of manufacturing executives focuses on reinvigorating research and development, which has been in serious decline in the US over the last two decades and contrasts sharply with the aggressive pursuit of technology by China, India and other countries in the Asia. View report below The US Senate Committee on Banking Housing and Urban Affairs and the US House Committee on Science and Technology have both examined the role of government in revitalizing manufacturing. Recent hearings are excellent resources pointing to important studies, government programs and advice from executives in manufacturing on issues that range from financial regulations to trade legislations. View House Hearing below decline View Senate Hearing below Federal priorities are outlined in Manufacturing the Future published by the Interagency Committee of the National Science and Technology Council in 2008. Priorities cited in that report include developing uses of hydrogen for energy, nanomanufacturing and intelligent and integrated manufacturing. Contact NEWS FAX for a link to download the above publications. mfgr View report below
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