Lawrence D. Burns, Ph.D. | Embracing the Future of Manufacturing, Technology and Work

Making Value for America: Embracing the Future of Manufacturing, Technology and Work

This presentation summarizes the findings and recommendations of a recently released National Academy of Engineering report and frames implications for the University of Michigan.
Globalization, emerging technology, and new business models are changing the way products and services are conceived, designed, produced, and distributed around the world. These forces are also transforming work and manufacturing operations. Increasingly, business is about “making value,” not just “making things.”
“Making value” entails providing compelling and positive customer experiences by integrating innovation, design, engineering and production throughout the entire value chain. Such experiences have proven to be key to building brand equity and realizing superior financial returns.
While new opportunities are surfacing for manufacturers focused on “making value,” greater challenges exist for middle-class workers. Wages and job opportunities have declined, and almost 50 percent of U.S. jobs could be disrupted by automation.
To prosper, we must embrace the future of manufacturing, technology and work. Companies must adopt best practices to improve innovation and productivity, train their workforces in new skills, and examine their business models to find new ways to add value. Communities, governments, and educators must help improve the skills of current and future workers, strengthen local innovation networks, and encourage long-term investments that lead to new products and businesses. The best way to help people at risk of being left behind is to advance their skills and create an environment for innovation in the U.S. that continually attracts and creates skilled jobs.

Sponsoring Department: College of Engineering

Speaker Bio:
General Motors Corporate Vice President of Research & Development and Planning/Strategic Planning, reporting to CEO/President from 1998-2009, . Member of top decision boards for global operations and products. Responsible for advanced technology development, product portfolio planning, capacity planning and strategic planning. From 1988-1997, held wide range of leadership positions in GM operations, including industrial engineering, quality, production control, product/manufacturing/business planning, and product program management.
Current Positions:
· Professor, Engineering Practice, College of Engineering, University of Michigan
· Consultant, Google Inc.
· Member, Advisory Council, Greentech Capital Advisors
· Member, Advisory Board and Consultant, Kitson & Partners
· Member, Technology Advisory Board, Pratt & Whitney