With years of uneven growth across sectors and geographies, some industries have flourished while others have faltered. Major hubs have boomed, but countless smaller communities have fallen through the cracks. The labour market has become increasingly polarized, with the number of people in high- and low-wage jobs growing, while the number of people in middle-wage jobs has declined. A revitalization of U.S. manufacturing ' an industry that was once the beating heart of the country's economy ' could be fundamental to resolving these inequities while driving sustainable, inclusive growth. Today, the manufacturing sector represents just 10% of U.S. GDP and jobs, but drives 20% of the nation's capital investment, 35% of productivity growth, 60% of exports, and 70% of business research and development expenditure. Despite its outsized contribution to the economy, manufacturing has not enjoyed the same prosperity as other sectors in recent years. While it has grown in absolute terms, its...
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