Manufacturing an American Century

In this episode of Manufacturing an American Century, I sit down with Jonathan Gruber, MIT economist, and co-author of Jumpstarting America. Jonathan and I talk about the shifting landscape of government-funded science and the challenges of reigniting regional economic growth through strategic investments.

We discuss how the U.S. government’s role in funding research has fundamentally changed since the 1960s, why it matters for economic growth, and how tech hubs around the country can be the key to revitalizing local economies. Jonathan explains how the clustering of talent in a few superstar cities has held back broader prosperity—and outlines a bold vision for a future where regional investments drive national innovation.

We also explore the need for a long-term portfolio approach to science funding, rather than short-term thinking, and what structures are necessary to make this ambitious vision a reality. Tune in to hear why this matters now more than ever, especially as we look towards building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economy.

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Dr. Jonathan Gruber, Ford Professor of Economics and the Chairman of the Economics Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

Key Ideas:

• Government Science Investment Decline: Since the 1960s, U.S. government investment in science has significantly declined, dropping from 2% of GDP to around 0.5% today. This reduction has had a major impact on the nation's capacity for innovation and growth.
• Public Investment Drives Private Investment: Contrary to popular belief, public investment in science can stimulate private investment, not crowd it out. Jonathan highlights the importance of government leadership in creating environments where private innovation can flourish.
• Long-Term Structures for Sustainable Growth: Building sustainable economic growth requires long-term structures and patience. Jonathan emphasizes that developing new tech hubs is a decades-long process that demands persistent support and investment.

Links to Learn More:

• Find out more about Dr. Jonathan Gruber.
• Find his book, co-authored by Simon Johnson, titled Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.
• Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Manufacturing an American Century, I sit down with Josh Cramer. At the time of our recording, Josh was serving as the Director of Education and Workforce Development at America Makes and has now gone on to another important position, now the Associate Vice President  - Workforce Development at BlueForge Alliance. In the pod, we talk about the intersection of technology and workforce development in manufacturing. Josh and his team are tackling a big challenge—getting small-to-mid sized manufacturers (SMMs) to adopt technologies like 3D printing, which can transform not only products but entire manufacturing processes, businesses and communities. And we’re not just talking about technical training here; America Makes knows that workforce development includes educating both students and incumbent workers, showing people how they can apply new tech in practical ways that deliver value and make products that solve problems.

A big theme today of our discussion is the “national strategy with a local impact” model that America Makes follows. Josh explains how real change is happening at the regional level and why initiatives must respect and adapt to local needs. He also shares how 3D printing and additive manufacturing bring incredible entrepreneurial opportunities—not only for big businesses but for everyone, like the “Tech Moms” program that helps mothers in Utah return to the workforce with new skills.

If you're curious about what it takes to drive national manufacturing growth at a local level, or how additive technology is making big waves in traditional industries, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Thanks again Josh!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Josh Cramer, Fmr. Director of Education and Workforce Development at America Makes, now Associate Vice President  - Workforce Development at BlueForge Alliance
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Education and Workforce Development as Dual Priorities: America Makes emphasizes building both technology skills and awareness to bridge educational and workforce gaps.
• Local Solutions, National Strategy: Josh advocates a “national strategy through local impact” approach, emphasizing local, targeted initiatives for widespread results.
• Entrepreneurial Potential in 3D Printing: Additive manufacturing, especially 3D printing, opens doors for entrepreneurship, offering flexibility and self-employment opportunities.
• Upskilling Across Age Groups: Workforce initiatives are aimed at reskilling adults and not just youth, making local awareness key for encouraging career pivots.
• Additive Manufacturing in Castings and Forgings: Integrating 3D printing into traditional casting and forging industries introduces innovative, cost-effective processes and new market potential.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Find Josh on Linkedin
• Learn more about America Makes.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.
• Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Matt had the pleasure of chatting with Emil Runge from First Flight Venture Center in North Carolina. Emil is a fantastic guest who shared some really interesting insights on the vital role innovation hubs like First Flight play in growing regional manufacturing ecosystems. We talked about how First Flight helps startups get off the ground by offering resources like labs and funding opportunities, all aimed at helping them thrive.

One of the big takeaways from our conversation was how important it is for regional leaders to really understand their area’s unique strengths—or what Emil calls the "DNA" of the region. By tapping into those strengths and encouraging collaboration between government, schools, and private companies, regions can accelerate innovation and economic growth.

Emil also highlighted how non-dilutive funding (think SBIR grants) is so important for startups that are working on risky but potentially game-changing ideas. Taking those calculated risks is key to long-term success. We touched on North Carolina’s rich history in textiles and biotech, and how regions can successfully evolve from older industries to cutting-edge innovation. Emil wrapped up with a great message for regional leaders across the country: It’s all about having a plan for capital access and workforce development if we want to keep America competitive on the global stage.

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Emil Runge: Director of Programs, First Flight Venture Center
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• First Flight Venture Center's Role: First Flight acts as a nonprofit incubator and innovation hub supporting startups, with a history of housing over 400 companies and fostering innovation, particularly in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
• Building Regional Innovation: Emil emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration in building robust innovation ecosystems, particularly for manufacturing and technology sectors.
• Workforce Development: He highlights the importance of integrating educational institutions, particularly community colleges, into innovation ecosystems, ensuring a strong workforce pipeline.
• Capital Access: Emil discusses the challenges of accessing capital for innovation and manufacturing and the need for non-dilutive funding (like SBIR) and strategic investment plans to help startups grow.
• Historical Context for Innovation: Emil draws parallels between today’s federal interventions (e.g., the CHIPS Act) and historical government investments in science and technology post-World War II, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in regional ecosystems.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Find Emil on Linkedin
• Learn more about First Flight Venture Center.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.

Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Manufacturing an American Century, Matt chats with Ray Zaganto, Partner Relations Manager at IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center), to discuss why the future of our manufacturing sector depends on innovation, collaboration, and a national strategy. Ray didn’t hold back in sharing his passion for bringing real, lasting change to the industry. We talked about the crucial role of IMEC and how they’ve been helping small and medium-sized manufacturers not just survive but thrive by adopting new technologies and building stronger businesses. 

One of Ray’s key points is how we’ve got to engage the next generation early—starting at the grade-school level, not just with high schoolers. He shared how nonprofits like GCAMP in Chicago are making that connection between students, parents, and the exciting world of modern manufacturing. We also dove into some big challenges, like the decline in casting and forging for defense manufacturing, and why we need to rebuild that capability to keep America’s defense industrial base strong and resilient.

Ray also stressed the importance of a growth mindset in the manufacturing world. Too many companies hesitate to innovate, but as Ray pointed out, sticking your head in the sand is not a strategy. You’ve got to invest in your future. We wrapped up by talking about the need for a cultural shift—manufacturing has to become a core part of our communities, and companies need to stay engaged with their ecosystem of support to succeed. This episode is packed with insights on how we can all work together to strengthen American manufacturing for the long haul, thanks Ray!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Ray Ziganto, Partner Relations Manager, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Start Early with Workforce Development: It’s not enough to reach high schoolers anymore. We need to connect with grade-school students and their parents to show them what modern manufacturing really looks like and how exciting those careers can be.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Manufacturers can’t afford to stay stuck in the past. Ray made it clear that if you're not looking for ways to innovate and improve, you’re falling behind. Embracing technology is crucial for long-term success.
• IMEC’s Role in the Ecosystem: IMEC is doing great work supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers by helping them adopt new tech and improve operations. Ray’s team is driving real impact, proving that even small investments can lead to big returns.
• Collaboration is Key: No one can do it alone. Ray emphasized the importance of manufacturers, government, and community organizations all working together to build a stronger industry and a more connected manufacturing ecosystem.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Find Ray on Linkedin
• Learn more about IMEC.
• Read IMEC’s survey on advanced technology adoption rates by their SMMs.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.

Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Manufacturing an American Century, Matt chats with Mark Whitney, a retired U.S. Navy Admiral and now the Executive Director of the Virginia Digital Maritime Center at Old Dominion University.

Mark talks about his transition from a 34-year naval career to leading efforts in modernizing Virginia's maritime industry in Hampton Roads. Matt and Mark dive into the hurdles that small and medium-sized businesses face in the defense sector, especially when securing steady contracts and navigating the complexities of the defense industrial base. Mark also highlights the importance of developing the workforce and adopting new technologies to keep the industry competitive, as AMCC experienced during its 2023 Virginia Roadshow. Mark’s reflections are aligned with what we are seeing around the nation that crucial strategic planning and collaboration are needed for strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base. A clear message appears in our conversation: it will take a collective impact approach to keep American manufacturing strong in a rapidly changing world. Thanks again to Mark for joining for an excellent discussion!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was partly prepared using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Mark Whitney, Executive Director, Virginia Digital Maritime Center
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and podcast host.

Key Ideas:

• Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): The discussion highlights the difficulties SMEs face in securing stable defense contracts, which can inhibit their ability to invest in technology and workforce development.
• Workforce Development: Mark emphasizes the need to inspire and train the next generation of workers, breaking down the stigma that manufacturing jobs are a last resort.
• Importance of Strategic Planning and Relationship Building: Mark gets at the immediate need for long-term strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base.
• Adopting New Technologies: Mark advocates for the integration of new technologies within the maritime industry to maintain competitiveness and efficiency.

Links to Learn More:

• Find Mark on Linkedin.
• Learn more about the Virginia Digital Maritime Center.
• Learn about VDMC’s partners including:
• ODU’s Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation
• Virginia Regional Maritime Training System 
• Virginia Ship Repair Association
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.

Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Matt was joined by Lindsey Brickle, Director, Workforce & Community Partnerships, and Aarin Clemons, Workforce Manager, with Polaris MEP; the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center in the great state of Rhode Island. Our conversation covers many strategies for accelerating the pace of progress in bringing new people of all backgrounds and circumstances into the manufacturing workforce to achieve meaningful work and good pay! We talk about Polaris MEP’s innovative training program partnerships they have made in their region, to include a CNC training program conducted entirely within a women’s correctional facility to equip justice-involved individuals with the skills needed to transition into long-term careers. Polaris is also supporting the expansion of a Uniquely Abled Academy to broaden career pathways for individuals with autism.

Our conversation also weaves in the importance of regional collaboration with neighboring states, particularly Massachusetts and Connecticut, to bolster the manufacturing ecosystem. Lindsey and Aarin also emphasize the role of federal funding in enabling these initiatives and bringing together multiple stakeholders. Building trust within communities and engaging with them directly is seen as essential for promoting manufacturing careers. Thank you Lindsey and Aarin for joining the podcast and sharing your best strategies that others could adopt to build national progress! 

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Lindsey Brickle, Director, Workforce & Community Partnerships, Polaris MEP
• Aarin Clemons, Workforce Manager, Polaris MEP
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Interstate Collaboration: Polaris MEP and its partners work closely with neighboring state stakeholders to strengthen the regional manufacturing ecosystem.
• Innovative Training Programs: Innovative training programs like Fast Track to CNC Manufacturing are highlighted as effective ways to integrate diverse talent into the manufacturing workforce.
• Holistic Approach: Emphasizing trust-building and community engagement as key strategies in workforce development.
• Workforce Pipeline: Developing training programs that provide stackable credentials and career pathways.

Links to Learn More:

• Find Lindsey on Linkedin.
• Fina Aarin on Linkedin.
• Learn more about Fast Track to CNC Manufacturing.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.
• Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Debra Franklin, Associate Vice President at Wichita State University and a board member of AMCC, joins Matt to discuss the pivotal role of advanced manufacturing in Kansas and its significance to the broader American economy. Kansas boasts a manufacturing employment rate twice the national average, largely due to its specialization in advanced and highly regulated industries like aerospace, heavy equipment, and agricultural machinery. We talk about the necessity of stakeholder collaboration, involving both public and private partners in strategic planning and data analysis to ensure sustainable economic development. Franklin shares insights from Kansas's experience, emphasizing the importance of asset mapping and rigorous analysis of regional competencies. This process helps regions understand their core capacities and areas needing development, enabling them to compete effectively.

Debra also highlights the current era of significant federal interventions aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing and how the impact of major legislative actions like the American Rescue Plan, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act is being felt in Kansas. And, we learn a bit more about her personal journey and commitment to meaningful work in economic development. Thanks for coming on the pod, Debbie!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Debra Franklin, Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Industry Engagement, Wichita State University
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Federal Initiatives: Programs like BBBRC and Tech Hubs help regions self-organize and use data to strengthen manufacturing ecosystems.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Involving public and private partners in strategic planning and data analysis ensures sustainable regional economic development.
• Data-Driven Planning: Asset mapping and rigorous analysis of regional strengths and gaps are crucial for effective economic planning.
• Sustaining Capacity: Building ongoing capacity through strategic funding and stakeholder engagement is essential for long-term success.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Find Debra on Linkedin.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.
• Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Matt talks with Dr. Courtney Taylor from Accelerate Mississippi about her work in enhancing the state's manufacturing sector. Dr. Taylor describes the successes they have made in attracting new manufacturing investment and federal grants to the state, all while leveraging regional strategies to foster communication and collaboration at a local level. Dr. Taylor discusses the critical role of federal investments, such as the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program, in supporting regional manufacturing, particularly in shipbuilding, and reinforces the importance of these federal programs in driving community engagement and breaking down silos. 

She shares successes from their efforts, like exposing thousands of students to manufacturing careers and tackling specific industry challenges through partnerships with academic institutions - getting to kitchen tables and getting a new generation excited for the future of manufacturing. Come learn how AccelerateMS has managed this by hiring regional ecosystem coordinators and establishing career counseling support in over 80% of Mississippi high schools. All this and more on this week’s Manufacturing an American Century! 

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Courtney Taylor, Executive Director, AccelerateMS
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Regional Ecosystem Coordinators: Dr. Taylor shares how Mississippi has organized eight workforce regions, each having coordinators to enhance communication, tailor programs, and integrate local needs into broader strategies.
• Regional Workforce Capacity: The implementation of career coaches in high schools to connect students with local opportunities and increase awareness of manufacturing careers
• Impact of Exposure Programs: Dr. Taylor describes initiatives like exposing 10,000 students to shipbuilding to increase interest in manufacturing careers and address workforce shortages.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Learn more about AccelerateMS
• Hear more from Courtney on her pod: Scratchin’ the Surface of Workforce Development
• Find Courtney on Linkedin.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.

Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Matt sat down with the Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, Michael Mullins, out of North Carolina State University’s Industry Expansion Solutions to talk about North Carolina's integral role in national manufacturing; defense, textiles and more. As lead of defense initiatives with NC’s MEP Center, Mullins has an expansive view on how the state leverages its historical strengths in textiles to meet modern defense needs with the help of the MEP and driven by long-time and new manufacturing outfits. 

Mullins stresses the importance of a strong communication strategy to ensure small manufacturers are aware of the resources available to aid their growth and sustainability, and on the host of warm potential partnerships across academia, workforce ,state and local government and more to build a resilient manufacturing ecosystem capable of responding to national needs. To Mullins, a former Marine and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, adaptability and responsiveness are key qualities of an effective manufacturing ecosystem to deliver value to its manufacturers. Thanks Michael for joining Manufacturing an American Century! 

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was partly prepared using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Participants:

• Michael Mullins, Director of Defense Industry Initiatives, North Carolina State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Ecosystem Building: North Carolina's approach to building a manufacturing support ecosystem involves collaboration across various stakeholders to strengthen the regional manufacturing base.
• Federal and State Partnerships: The state works closely with federal programs and leverages state-specific initiatives to enhance the defense manufacturing capabilities of local businesses.
• Focus on Small Manufacturers: There is a significant focus on aiding small manufacturers, which are vital to the defense supply chain and local economies.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Learn more about NCSU’s Industry Expansion Solutions MEP Center.
• Find Michael on Linkedin.
• Follow AMCC on Linkedin.
• Find Matt on Linkedin.
• Visit our website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode, Matt Bogoshian was lucky to have two exceptional guests from the global nonprofit, RTI International, come on Manufacturing an American Century to explain RTI’s history in supporting regional economic development, and where we all go from here to achieve sustainable growth. I had the pleasure of sitting down with RTI’s President & CEO, Tim Gabel, as well as Director for Economic Development, Sara Lawrence. As AMCC is leading an EDA Community of Practice, we had the good fortune to meet and learn about Sara through RTI’s Community of Practice for Build Back Better Regional Challenge award winners through this EDA initiative.

In the episode, Tim and Sara explore the transformative role of RTI in regional economic development. Originally established to combat brain drain and stimulate job creation around North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, RTI has grown into a global leader with a mission to improve the human condition. Tim shares this journey, and how the core of regional economic development that RTI originated from still guides its work in helping other regions advance their priorities. Sara goes on to detail how RTI supports broad-based economic growth with regional stakeholders through strategic planning, sophisticated data analysis, and effective storytelling. The two discuss RTI's role in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, highlighting impactful strategies to adapt high-level information into approachable technical assistance that meets local needs. Curious about how regions can thrive through such innovative collaborations? RTI's journey offers compelling insights.

And, looking ahead, my guests talk about the importance of communities developing resilience to adapt and thrive even as external funding wanes. The conversation underscores a shared vision that we all ought to be working towards; that is the building of sustainable practices that leverage innovation and collective action to improve community well-being and economic competitiveness for American regions, onward!

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

RTI’s Tim Gabel and Sara Lawrence speak from experience when they explain the importance of building lasting community capabilities for economic development beyond temporary public investment since they lived it! RTI played a major role in accelerating the “flywheel effect” driving North Carolina innovation and business development in Research Triangle Park. Now, RTI’s collaboration with the Economic Development Administration’s Building Better Regions initiative is bringing new energy to regions across the country to achieve sustainable development in manufacturing and across other sectors!

Participants:

• Tim Gabel, President & CEO; RTI International
• Sara Lawrence, Director, Economic Development; RTI International
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

💡 Key Ideas:

• Building “Muscle Memory”: Tim speaks to the importance of a region to continue collaborating iteratively and over a long period of time in order to build “reps” for greater community-level coordination.
• Focus in Noisy Environments: Sarah describes the difficult decision-making landscape for regional economic developers, and how long-term strategies and consistent improvement can help sustain momentum and focus to reach long-term development goals.
• Sustainability of Regional Development Capacity: Tim and Sara acknowledge difficult funding realities for regional economic development, and the herculean effort that goes into braiding federal, state and local funding with private partners to sustain decades-long persistence.

🔗Links to Learn More:

• Learn more about Tim Gabel and Sara Lawrence on RTI’s website.
• Find Tim and Sara on Linkedin.
• Read RTI’s announcement highlighting a new report about the future of economic development in North Carolina.
• Learn how RTI is supporting regional economic development through their Building Better Regions Community of Practice

Links to AMCC:

• Follow AMCC
• Find Matt on Linkedin
• Visit our website

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.