Manufacturing USA in 2030 and 2035: A Vision for Competitiveness and Innovation

Why It Matters

Without a revitalized Manufacturing USA program, the United States risks losing critical supply‑chain resilience and falling behind rivals in high‑tech production, undermining both economic prosperity and national security.

Key Takeaways

• Manufacturing USA aims to bridge research and commercial production.
• US manufacturing share fell to 16% while China leads 31%.
• Institutes underfunded: $200M for $2.8T sector insufficient nationally.
• Lack of coordinated national industrial strategy hampers advanced tech adoption.
• Report calls for longer‑term funding, agency coordination, and ecosystem networking.

Summary

The video discusses the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s new report outlining a vision for the Manufacturing USA program in 2030 and 2035, and how the initiative is meant to restore U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing through public‑private partnerships.

The speakers highlight that manufacturing accounts for 25% of U.S. employment, over 40% of GDP, and nearly 80% of R&D spending, yet the sector’s productivity has been flat for 15 years. The United States now produces only 16% of global manufacturing output, while China commands 31%, and the U.S. ranks tenth in industrial robotics.

They note that the existing Manufacturing USA network comprises 17 institutes funded with roughly $200 million—a drop in the bucket compared with the $2.8 trillion industry size. The institutes have delivered technology roadmaps and collaborations, but chronic under‑funding, fragmented agency oversight, and a lack of ecosystem‑wide networking limit their impact.

The report recommends a coordinated national industrial strategy, longer‑term and larger‑scale financing, stronger ties between the Department of Commerce, Energy and Defense, and integrated regional manufacturing ecosystems. Implementing these changes is portrayed as essential to safeguard national security, boost economic growth, and keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation.

Original Description

Join Theresa Kotanchek and William Bonvillian for a webcast discussion on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, A Vision for the Manufacturing USA Program in 2030 and 2035. Moderated by Dr. Sujai Shivakumar, the conversation will examine the future of U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, workforce development, regional innovation ecosystems, and the role of industrial policy in strengthening innovation capacity and supply chain resilience. Drawing on the report’s findings, the discussion will explore how the Manufacturing USA program can evolve to address emerging technological and geopolitical challenges while reinforcing America’s long-term manufacturing and innovation leadership.

This event was made possible through the general support of CSIS.

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