A boost for manufacturing is on the horizon. Furthermore, Suzanne Berger, an MIT political scientist, has been a leading advocate for US industry. Consequently, she is now co-directing MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing.
Revitalizing US Manufacturing
In addition, Berger has developed a distinctive viewpoint about manufacturing. Specifically, she sees it as an arena where technological advances can drive economic growth. Moreover, she believes that nimble firms can thrive in this sector.
Additionally, Berger is keenly interested in medium-size and small manufacturers. In fact, 98% of US manufacturers have 500 or fewer employees. Moreover, she is interested in how technology can help them. For instance, roughly one-tenth of US manufacturers use robots.
Focus on Smaller Manufacturers
Furthermore, Berger’s focus on smaller manufacturers is pragmatic. The US is not going to bring back textile manufacturing or steelmaking jobs anytime soon. However, small and midsize firms may have more opportunities to be flexible and innovative.
Consequently, Berger is part of a new campus-wide effort to do something tangible about these issues. She is a co-director of MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing, which aims to reinvigorate the business of making things in the US.
Initiative for New Manufacturing
In addition, the initiative aims to enhance innovation and encourage companies to tightly link their innovation and production processes. Moreover, this lets them rapidly fine-tune new products and new production technologies—and create good jobs along the way.
Furthermore, MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth explained that the initiative wants to work with firms big and small, in cities, small towns, and everywhere in between, to help them adopt new approaches for increased productivity.
Unpredictable Career
Consequently, Berger’s involvement with the Initiative for New Manufacturing is just the latest chapter in a fascinating, unpredictable career. Moreover, she was once a highly regarded scholar of French and European politics.
In addition, Berger joined the MIT faculty in 1968 and soon began publishing extensively. Furthermore, her books include Peasants Against Politics, The French Political System, and Dualism and Discontinuity in Industrial Societies.
Shift to Manufacturing
However, by the mid-1980s, Berger was named to MIT’s newly formed Commission on Industrial Productivity. Consequently, this led to a best-selling book, Made in America: Regaining the Productive Edge. Moreover, the book found that US manufacturers overemphasized short-term thinking and were neglecting technology transfer.
Furthermore, Berger has mostly turned her attention to US manufacturing. In addition, she has written books such as How We Compete and Making in America. Moreover, she has participated extensively in MIT’s Work of the Future study group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a boost for manufacturing is on the horizon. Consequently, Suzanne Berger and MIT’s Initiative for New Manufacturing are leading the charge. Furthermore, they aim to reinvigorate the business of making things in the US and create good jobs along the way.
