The Future of Manufacturing: What is the Role of the Federal Government in Supporting Innovation by U.S. Manufacturers?
Opening Statement By Chairman Bart Gordon
Good morning. I want to thank everyone for being here today for this important hearing on innovation in manufacturing.
There is a perception out there that the U.S. manufacturing sector is on its last legs. The truth is, however, that the manufacturing sector in the U.S. is alive and well, and continues to be an important part of our economy. Each year, the U.S. manufacturing sector generates more than $1.5 trillion worth of goods, accounts for more than half of total U.S. exports, and employs millions of people.
Nevertheless, it is true that the manufacturing sector in the U.S. is not as strong and vibrant as it once was. There is a strong case to be made that, in order to avoid a further decline, we need to take action now to preserve, and perhaps even grow, the U.S. manufacturing sector for the future.
A variety of factors have likely contributed to the decline in U.S. manufacturing, including global competition. Be that as it may, our manufacturers cannot – and should not – compete with other countries on labor costs alone. In order to stay competitive, U.S. manufacturers will need to be leaner and more efficient, and make better products faster. To accomplish this, we will need to develop new manufacturing technologies and cutting-edge processes. We will also need to ensure that mechanisms are in place to take those technologies and processes from the lab to the manufacturing plant.
U.S. manufacturers should also be at the forefront when it comes to producing new and innovative, high-value-added products. If we want to position our manufacturers to make the “next big things” of the future, we need to make certain that they have the ability to do so quickly and efficiently.
At the same time, the ability of U.S. manufacturers to innovate and remain competitive is largely dependent on a flexible, skilled workforce. The manufacturing plant of today is not the manufacturing plant of the past. Today’s manufacturing is a high-technology activity, requiring a workforce with scientific and technical training. Unfortunately, despite this need, U.S. manufacturers are experiencing a lack of skilled workers at all levels. This Committee is committed to doing what it takes to ensure that businesses in the U.S., including manufacturers, have access to the workers they need to get the job done.
In today’s hearing, we will focus on what more the Federal Government should be doing, if anything, to help U.S. manufacturers innovate. It is my expectation that what we learn today will help inform the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which the Committee is currently working towards.
I am confident that our witnesses will be able to offer us unique perspectives on this issue. I want to thank all of you for being here. I look forward to your testimony.
Witnesses
Panel
0 - Dr. Susan Smyth
Director of Manufacturing Systems Research GM R&D Chief Scientist for Manufacturing GM R&D Chief Scientist for Manufacturing
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0 - Dr. Len Sauers
Vice President Global Sustainability Procter & Gamble Global Sustainability Procter & Gamble
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0 - Mr. Debtosh Chakrabarti
President and Chief Operating Officer PMC Group Inc. PMC Group Inc.
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0 - Dr. Mark Tuominen
Director National Nanomanufacturing Network National Nanomanufacturing Network
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0 - Mr. Wayne Crews
Vice President for Policy and Director of Technology Studies Competitive Enterprise Institute Competitive Enterprise Institute
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