Other Institute Reports

In addition to our four recurring reports, The Manufacturing Institute does many one-time reports on important issues facing manufacturers. Those reports can be found below.

	Roadmap to Education Reform for Manufacturing The Roadmap to Education Reform for Manufacturing lays out six principles for innovative reform, including moving to competency-based education; establishing and expanding industry-education partnerships; infusing technology in education; creating excitement for manufacturing careers; applying manufacturing principles like "lean" to reduce education costs; and, expanding successful youth development programs.

	Manufacturing Skills Certifications: Employer Perspectives In collaboration with The Manufacturing Institute, the University of Phoenix presents a special report on the value and effectiveness of a manufacturing-specific skills certification system endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers. The report identifies the barriers to implementing a standard credentialing system and the roles that industry and higher education can play in engaging and developing a superior-quality workforce. Can manufacturing-specific skills certifications improve hiring practices so American businesses can remain dynamic and preserve their competitive edge?

	The Innovation Imperative in Manufacturing The Manufacturing Institute, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the National Association of Manufacturers have partnered to develop a broad research study that looks at both the business outcomes of innovation and government's ability to encourage and support innovation through public policy. The report, drawn from a survey of more than 1,000 senior executives, in-depth interviews with 30 executives, and a comparison of 110 countries and all 50 U.S. states, suggests concrete actions that states and countries can take to help manufacturing companies drive innovation.

	People and Profitability The study, conducted in May 2009 by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, and Oracle, analyzes the future importance and current performance of people management practices relative to a manufacturer's business success. It also reveals the challenges manufacturers are facing with talent shortages and offers strategies to address them.

	Forging New Partnerships: How to Thrive in Today's Global Value Chain This report from The Manufacturing Institute and RSM McGladrey addresses the rise of globalization and its impact on Small and Medium Manufacturers. "Forging New Partnerships" examines internal management issues that SMMs face as well as their abilities to take advantage of economic changes at home and abroad.

	The Business Case on Investing in Early Childhood Education Recent studies show that reaching children before kindergarten is essential to their lifetime success. The studies use simulation models of the U.S. state and national economies to estimate the long-term effects of implementing proven early childhood development programs. The findings show that these programs would grow jobs, increase earnings, and boost future GDP and government revenues.

	Women in Manufacturing, a Booklet of Best Practices The Women in Manufacturing group of the National Association of Manufacturers was created by an informal gathering of women who "convened" themselves at NAM board meetings to discuss the challenges of recruiting more women into careers in the manufacturing economy. More recently, the group has coalesced into a break-out group of the NAM board and an open invitation is extended to all who want to participate. The group has focused on promoting manufacturing as a career option for young women who may not know of or understand opportunities available in this great industry. As a start to that work, the NAM created a "Best Practices" brochure that spotlights what many of our companies are doing to support and promote women.

	Innovation in Manufacturing In light of the importance of innovation to the future of manufacturing in the United States, The Manufacturing Institute and Accenture partnered to develop a best practices guide that would facilitate business insights into the management and execution of an innovation culture. The new report addresses three misconceptions that often delay or hobble the development of innovations within companies: 1) It's not true that innovation stems only from new technology or products; 2) Innovation is not just a long-term project; and 3) Innovation is not random but is a discipline.

	Made in North America This report, released by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), is a survey of leading manufacturers in Canada, Mexico, and the United States that explores the impact of globalization on North American manufacturing productivity, competitiveness, and profitability. It is a first step to help North American manufacturers better assess current strengths and options for future competitive strategies and tactics.