MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing, unveiled by President Sally A. Kornbluth, continues the longstanding mission of enhancing U.S. manufacturing, which has been pivotal in generating jobs and driving economic growth.
Since its inception in 1861, MIT has remained committed to advancing U.S. manufacturing, adapting to various economic climates—during both prosperous and challenging times, as well as through periods of conflict and peace. The Institute was founded with the specific goal of boosting industrial output in the U.S. and has rolled out various initiatives over the decades aimed at renewing this crucial sector.
“We aim to intentionally design high-quality, human-centered manufacturing roles that revitalize communities nationwide,” Kornbluth emphasized in her announcement. “I firmly believe that this work is vital for meeting current challenges and serving our nation.”
“Core to MIT’s Ethos”
Manufacturing is deeply embedded in MIT’s legacy. The Institute has propelled advancements across numerous industries, including construction, transportation, defense, electronics, biosciences, and chemical engineering. MIT’s contributions to management and logistics have also enabled manufacturing firms to evolve and prosper.
Kornbluth pointed out, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that MIT was established in 1861 to enhance manufacturing.” This sentiment is echoed in MIT’s history. As the first president, William Barton Rogers, stated in his proposal for a technical university, “No area of practical industry—be it construction, manufacturing, or agriculture—is beyond improvement in its processes.”
“Manufacturing is embedded in MIT’s core ethos,” asserts Christopher Love, a chemical engineering professor and leader of the Initiative for New Manufacturing.
In addition to everyday endeavors, MIT has launched numerous specialized projects to support manufacturing. In 1919, the “Tech Plan” was conceived under the leadership of the third president, Richard Maclaurin, engaging over 200 corporate sponsors, including major players like AT&T and General Electric, to enhance their operations. Historical photos depict MIT students observing a General Electric factory. Today’s Initiative for New Manufacturing includes a “Factory Observatory,” allowing students to visit and learn from manufacturers.
The Importance of “Made in America”
Post-World War II, the U.S. enjoyed a dominant position in global manufacturing, with the sector contributing about 25% of U.S. GDP throughout much of the 1950s, a stark contrast to around 12% today. While other industries expanded and global manufacturing flourished, the U.S. manufacturing workforce decreased significantly, dropping from approximately 20 million jobs in 1979 to around 12.8 million today. The 1980s marked a notable decline in manufacturing jobs, raising concerns about the U.S. losing its competitive edge in vital industries like automotive and consumer electronics.
In response, MIT established the Commission on Industrial Productivity, leading to the creation of a bestselling book.
“Made in America: Regaining the Productive Edge,” co-authored by Michael Dertouzos, Richard Lester, and Robert Solow, sold over 300,000 copies since its 1989 release. The book scrutinized U.S. manufacturing practices across eight key industries, identifying issues such as short growth timelines, inadequate technology transfer, and neglect of human resources.
Co-author Robert Solow, an influential MIT economist, conducted pioneering research in the mid-20th century that revealed that a majority of economic growth stems from various forms of technical advancement, rather than merely population growth or capital accumulation. His concept of “total factor productivity” encompassed technological innovations, education, and skills development.
Solow’s groundbreaking work earned him a Nobel Prize in 1987, emphasizing the role of technology and education in economic growth, underscoring that progress is about innovation, not just replication.
Manufacturing in the 21st Century: PIE, The Engine, and INM
Entering the 21st century, while manufacturing has seen growth phases, the first decade of the 2000s bore significant job losses. This prompted a surge of new initiatives and research focused on manufacturing at MIT.
A task force called the Production in the Innovation Economy (PIE) revealed substantial potential in U.S. advanced manufacturing while emphasizing the need for improved capabilities to convert innovations into market-ready products. These findings were detailed in Professor Suzanne Berger’s book, “Making in America,” which highlights her extensive research on the industrial economy.
MIT has also engaged in the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, a government initiative aimed at fostering high-tech economic hubs in regions impacted by de-industrialization, which included developing new educational strategies for workers in the field.
In 2016, MIT launched The Engine, an innovative accelerator and venture fund positioned next to the campus in Cambridge. The Engine aims to cultivate promising “tough tech” startups, having invested in numerous thriving companies.
Additionally, MIT’s Work of the Future task force, which released a comprehensive report in 2020, provided valuable insights into manufacturing while addressing broader themes. Notably, they asserted that automation will not displace vast numbers of jobs, but rather the pivotal challenge lies in harnessing technology to enhance productivity without replacing human workers.
MIT continues to host various long-term programs and centers dedicated to manufacturing, including the Initiative for New Manufacturing, which evolved from the Manufacturing@MIT working group. The Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program, offering a joint engineering-MBA degree with a focus on manufacturing, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s advanced manufacturing concentration are just two examples. Furthermore, the Industrial Liaison Program fosters corporate partnerships with MIT.
As Kornbluth articulated, “Manufacturing has been a continuous thread throughout MIT’s research and education…it plays an essential role in our commitment to the nation.”
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
