May we continue living in interesting times of creative destruction and transformation
In search of competitiveness, U.S. manufacturing companies and supply chain organizations have been investing in the digital transformation of their processes. As I discuss in previous postings, for instance the Rise of the machines, advances in robotics and automation will very likely continue displacing low-skilled jobs. However, new positions will be created. For instance, a recent article in The Economist reports that, in Connecticut, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Pratt & Whitney alone should add over 23,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector in the next decade. The Manufacturing Institute and Delloite estimate that over the next decade nearly 3.5 million jobs will open in the manufacturing sector. However, and here is one of the critical challenges, their insightful research also highlight that about 2 million of those jobs may go unfilled.
As I note in my posting – Value chain transformation, competitive revitalization, and impact on the labor force, without better education and more skills, workers will struggle to take advantage of technological advancements, not only in manufacturing, but also in supply chain. I also highlight the role of an ecosystem supportive of new businesses and small manufacturers enabled by, or that can thrive assisted with, new technologies. In this regard, based on my past research and industry experience, I believe that building a strong culture of innovation in the manufacturing and supply chain organizations will assist leaders in harnessing talent and fostering transformation.
An interesting reading on the issue: