Natalie Chmiko Lauds Michigan: Epicenter of Advanced Manufacturing

Good News for Disruption in Advanced Manufacturing? The answer may Surprise you!

Over 100 manufacturing executives braved the Michigan snow, along with hundreds more online to hear Head Economist at 摩根大通 , Jim Glassman , share his outlook on the economy. Thomas Kelly , CEO at? Automation Alley , hosted the yearly Global Economic and Manufacturing Outlook for 2023 and Beyond.

Is a traditional slowdown in demand driving the outlook for 2023?

Actually, as Jim reviewed the data, it seems increasingly clear that we are seeing a slowdown driven by the massive disruption in supply chains since the pandemic and exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.?It makes complete sense, right? If this is the case, we may see good news on the horizon.?Inflation has abated in recent months to pre-pandemic levels (fortifying the supply argument). And the Federal Reserve System may be slowing up on their aggressive efforts earlier to rein in inflation.

Where does this leave the manufacturing sector??According to Michigan Economic Development Corporation SVP Natalie Chmiko , "With rapid digital transformation and Industry 4.0, Michigan has never been better positioned as the epicenter of advanced manufacturing. We’ve seen 30,000 new jobs, and over $14 billion in additional investment in manufacturing since the pandemic.?These investments are fueling hypergrowth among those companies turning to additive manufacturing and driving digital disruption in their operations.

At the same time, Natalie has been a big champion of Michigan's small business community. To add further good news, much of this growth is happening among the SME manufacturers, the small and medium sized firms where upwards of 80% of skilled jobs are created.

Natalie after being introduced by Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley        

Even as Thomas Carlyle, the 19th century Scottish philosopher, called out economics as the ‘dismal science,’ the events of today bear little resemblance to past downturns when looking at the data.?Five major factors make past playbooks less helpful:

1.?????Global Shutdown caused by the Pandemic.

2.?????Supply chain disruptions across every major industry.

3.?????The War in Ukraine.

4.?????Epic advances in technology and manufacturing.

5.?????The demographically shifting Talent pipeline for skilled workers.

If you think about it, any one of these disruptions could trigger significant economic impact.?With all five happening simultaneously, we have a picture that won’t be entirely clear in the near term. That said, the data hints that predictions of a recession may be slightly exaggerated.

Innovation and digital disruption will continue, creating new opportunities. ?It’s never been more critical to listen to the Disruptors, those determined do-gooders helping us to make sense of this 5G Wired Technology Augmented Globally Interdependent Digitally DisruptED World of Learning and Work.?

Here’s where we have good news!?We are bringing Natalie Chmiko back!

After the event, we confirmed Natalie will be an upcoming guest on DisruptED: Advanced Manufacturing Edition.?Join our DisruptED community. ?Subscribe to our newsletter and podcast.?Stay tuned for much more!