The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped manufacturing and global supply chains, exposing vulnerabilities while accelerating innovation, digitization, and new ways of working. As organizations adapted to unprecedented disruption, industry leaders around the world came together through the World Manufacturing Foundation’s “Back to the Future” initiative to explore the future of manufacturing and the global economy.
I was honored to participate alongside global experts from industry, academia, government, and international organizations to discuss the lessons learned from the pandemic, the rise of regionalized supply chains, the importance of resilience and responsiveness, and the technologies that will shape the next generation of manufacturing. Watch the discussion to learn how manufacturers can successfully navigate the “new normal” and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic world.
The Manufacturing sector and global economy in general are being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Knowing that we will have to adapt to a “New Normal”, it will be crucial to anticipate the economic and social changes that will be needed to reduce the negative impact that the crisis is having on our lives.
The World Manufacturing Foundation called to action its partners and players from different geographies and sectors – industrial, academy and policy – to let their voices be heard on this globally relevant topic and on its impact on the manufacturing sector and beyond, to answer to the following questions.
- How global economy and manufacturing were impacted by the pandemic?
- How is the manufacturing ecosystem reacting to specific critical issues due to this transformative situation?
- What are the lessons learned, best practices and recommendations to stimulate future courses of actions in a post-COVID 19 manufacturing paradigm?
Panelists include:
- Alberto Ribolla: President, World Manufacturing Foundation
- Marco Taisch: Scientific Chairman, World Manufacturing Foundation
- Lisa Anderson: President, LMA – Consulting Group
- Cristina Oyón: Director of Technology, Innovation and Sustainability, SPRI – The business development agency of the Basque Government
- Daria Taglioni: Research Manager, Trade and International Integration, Development Research Group, World Bank
- Randy Zadra: Managing Director, Integris Software, Ambassador and Member of the Steering Committee, World Manufacturing Foundation
Key Discussion Topics
- The future of global manufacturing after COVID-19
- Reshoring, nearshoring, and regional supply chains
- Supply chain resilience versus efficiency
- Digital transformation and Industry 4.0
- Predictive analytics, robotics, and automation
- Workforce skills and leadership for the new manufacturing paradigm
During this global discussion, experts from industry, government, academia, and international organizations explored how COVID-19 accelerated changes in manufacturing, supply chains, and technology adoption. The conversation highlighted the growing importance of resilience, regional supply networks, digital transformation, and workforce development as manufacturers adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
Originally posted on the World Manufacturing Foundation.