INDIANA – The state of Indiana in collaboration with the World Economic Forum convened global business and government leaders Friday to discuss innovation, supply chain resiliency, and sustainability. This is the first World Economic Forum Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains event to be held in Indiana.
“This past weekend was a seized moment for our state and some of our long-standing key exporters,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “World events have changed since I first participated in events with the World Economic Forum in India in 2019 and again in Davos to share ideas on addressing global challenges adversely affecting potential growth. We were honored to host the WEF right here in Indiana and will remain focused on finding pragmatic solutions to challenges that affect us at home and abroad.”
On Friday, Indiana representatives were joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Saab, Rolls-Royce, U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Cook Medical, Roche, Cummins, Re: Build Manufacturing, Salesforce, Conexus, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, AESoY. At the roundtable, participants discussed how manufacturing ecosystems can enhance their capacity to anticipate and adapt to the increasingly frequent shocks and disruptions affecting supply chains while driving efficiency and sustainability.
“Indiana’s position on the global stage is one of increasing importance and influence as is evidenced by WEF recognizing the value of the heart of America where we are living and breathing Industry 4.0 and powering the United States economy,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers.
Friday’s event preceded Saturday’s Indiana Global Business Day, during which 150 international industry, government, and academic partners gathered to continue the conversation. The day’s conversation and program were broadened by the addition of the international diplomatic corps.
Indiana’s long history of advanced manufacturing and robust industry made the state a perfect backdrop for the discussions. Twenty-five percent of domestically consumed steel is produced in Indiana. This coupled with Indiana’s growing and talented workforce, number one ranking in pass-through highways and other logistical infrastructure, as well as its number four ranking in permitted clean energy projects – all make Indiana well-positioned to host discussions on these topics.
“Supply chains, industrial productivity, and sustainability are deeply interconnected issues that require local, national, and global partnerships to drive economic growth and improved employment opportunities. We look forward to continuing to engage with the Governor’s Office, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and the entire Indiana community, to move the dial on these critical issues,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum.
The Forum’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains brings together over 150 organizations from more than 15 industries, governments, academic institutions, and civil society to accelerate inclusive technology adoption and drive economic, societal, and environmental impact.
