Strategic Vision

    Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance

    Since 1982, Manufacturing Renaissance (MR) has focused on retaining and rebuilding the manufacturing sector for the benefit of our society. Over nearly four decades, MR’s work has reaffirmed our initial instincts that the manufacturing sector as well as the communities that historically depended on manufacturing require a shift to a new paradigm of development. The current paradigm sees production guided by the principal objective of the private accumulation of wealth. This paradigm has given rise to:
    • Increasing income inequality,
    • Poverty,
    • Social exclusion and polarization, and
    • The contamination of the planet.
    The new paradigm sees the purpose of production as driven by the objective of creating a society that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and restorative. The new paradigm seeks:
    • Social cohesion and development,
    • The restoration of the environment,
    • Democracy in all aspects of life, and
    • Stable and secure lives for the citizens of the world.

    A new paradigm must compete within the framework of the marketplace, government at all levels, and within civil society for hegemony. In the past, such a call to action was seen as unrealistic and a view held by those on the political margins of our society. In light of the continued decline, the discussion on a paradigm shift is now in the mainstream. The purpose of this paper is to challenge this our community to recognize that their expertise in their various programs is required but not sufficient.

    We face a systemic challenge that requires a systemic solution. The measure for success is in the degree that our day-to-day programs have key elements of what’s required in a new paradigm of development, that have the potential to scale, and the discomfort we should feel in being silent as we re-enforce the current paradigm with traditional practices and thought. We need to contend.Offering popular women’s necklaces such as pendants, chokers and chain necklace. Shop for jewelry in a variety of metals and gemstones to suit any occasion

    Without a shift to the new paradigm, we will see the continued decline not only in manufacturing but in our society in general. With a shift to a new paradigm by manufacturers, the financial community, labor, government, and civil society, we will see progress in restoring and strengthening our manufacturing sector and our communities. This shift requires new partnerships, new ways of working with others, new responsibilities, new values, and new programmatic prototypes.

    Read the full report here.
    Organizational Overview
    Manufacturing Corporation Act HR 5124 117th Congress
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    Five Foundational Pillars

    A nationwide Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance has been formed with five foundational pillars: 

    1. Shape industrial policy on a national, state, and local level in a way that is profoundly inclusive and anchored in economic democracy, and that is committed to community development. Our policy will reflect “best practices” in domestic and global experience.
    2. Support the growth and development of projects in local communities that retain and strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems.
    3. Create a community that learns from and utilizes the talents of its member organizations.
    4. Educate the broader public as well as policy leaders on the importance of industrial policy and re-building our manufacturing ecosystem.
    5. Create an international membership that builds strong relationships with projects representing best international practices related to building the global manufacturing ecosystem.
    Mission Statement

    The Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance (FMR) is committed to development that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable and restorative. We believe that a “high road,” inclusive manufacturing ecosystem is fundamental for healthy individuals, families, and communities. Toward this end, we: 

    1. Build partnerships with those who share our values,
    2. Develop and advocate federal, state and local public policies consistent with our mission, and 
    3. Support the development of programs reflecting this vision on a local and regional level. 
    FMR Goals

    A number of organizations have formed the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance. The purpose of the Federation is to:

    • Educate the broader public as well as policy leaders on the importance of industrial policy and re-building our manufacturing ecosystem.
    • Shape industrial policy on a national, state, and local level in a way that is profoundly inclusive and anchored in economic democracy, and that is committed to community development.  Our policy will reflect best international experience.
    • Support the growth and development of projects in local communities that retain and strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems;
    • Create a community that learns from and utilizes the talents of its member organizations; and
    • Create an international membership that builds strong relationships with projects representing best international practices related to building the global manufacturing ecosystem.
    Inclusion & Industry 4.0

    The public sector including government at all levels, and civil society as represented by the labor movement, community-based organizations, educators, faith-based organizations, the environmental movement and others must play a leading role in retaining, redesigning, and rebuilding our manufacturing sector in partnership with the private sector. Programs focused on inclusion must have the same level of political and financial support as programs focused on new technologies in manufacturing. This ensures that the values of sustainability, justice and restoration guide development and provide public support for building the manufacturing ecosystem.  

    Background

    The United States has experienced a long-term decline in its manufacturing sector with an enormous social, economic, and political impact over the last 50 years. The loss has severely impacted communities throughout the country—urban and rural, white and of color. For the last hundred years, industrial policy has mainly been guided by the private and financial sectors driven by the objective of increasing personal wealth. Manufacturers revolutionized the means of production.  They were committed to long-term planning. US manufacturing was known for its innovation. Despite a number of inequities, this industrial policy led to the growth of the middle class and the emergence of the US as the dominant global economy.

    By the late 1970s and the emergence of new information technologies, the search for the highest rate of return in the shortest amount of time led to some leaders in the manufacturing and financial sector cannibalizing the very companies that were the heart of the manufacturing sector.  Companies closed as investors shifted their financial resources to other sectors.  David Roderick, CEO of US Steel closed one of the most profitable steel companies in the world, stating, “I’m in this business to make money, not steel.” Local and state governments were often complicit or passive in engaging the challenges of the manufacturing sector.

    In the 1960s, the sector represented more than 27% of GDP.  As a result of these practices, manufacturing now represents only 11% of GDP.  The country and our communities have suffered in every respect.  This reality was a product of industrial policies rather than a “blind market”.

    We have launched the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance to represent the broad and shared interests of the public and private sectors committed to retaining, redesigning, and rebuilding our manufacturing sector. We are committed to manufacturing, economic democracy, and community development.