Jump-Start the Economy by Making Things

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers has a suggestion for getting the US economy thriving again–Make Things. The organization points out that manufacturing creates wealth when your eco-conscious neighbor buys new solar panels to decrease his energy bill. Payment then goes to the store, other vendors, and the manufacturer. The money continues its journey down the supply chain to other service providers, where it’s reinvested in companies to purchase new equipment and develop new technologies. It also pays employees – one of whom goes out to buy new solar panels and the cycle continues.

Here are six ways to begin:

Encourage innovation which can spur the economy as it leads to new products, processes and jobs.

Recognize lean and green manufacturers who eliminate waste and use fewer resources whether they make “green” products or not.

Help the transitional workforce gain the skills needed for 21st century jobs.

Support the small to medium-sized manufacturers that create jobs in their communities.

Enhance the image of manufacturing so more people understand that today’s manufacturing jobs are high paying, high-tech, challenging and available.

Place educational emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math so that future generations are able to maintain America’s lead in the innovation race.

(photo credit: Newscom)