Author: Jeff DeBellis
Industry 4.0 is reshaping North Carolina's manufacturing landscape, and with it, the role of economic developers across the state. As highlighted in the recent "Best Practices for Growing Manufacturing in North Carolina" report, our approach to fostering industrial growth and competitiveness must continue to evolve to maintain our position as a global manufacturing leader. Here are five ways economic developers need to adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution:
1. Redefining "Site Readiness"
Gone are the days when a flat piece of land with utility hookups was enough to attract manufacturers. Today's "shovel-ready" sites must also be "tech-ready." Economic developers are now tasked with ensuring industrial parks and sites have robust digital infrastructure - think high-speed broadband, 5G connectivity, and smart grid capabilities. This digital backbone is crucial for supporting the advanced robotics, IoT sensors, and data analytics systems that define Industry 4.0 manufacturing.
2. Forging Stronger Workforce Development Partnerships
The skills needed in today’s manufacturing are expanding rapidly. Filling those needs requires a collaborative approach. Economic developers are increasingly acting as connectors, bringing together manufacturers, community colleges, universities, and workforce boards to create Industry 4.0-focused training programs. From short-term boot camps in robotics programming to advanced degrees in industrial data science, these partnerships are crucial for building the workforce of tomorrow.
3. Supporting Small Manufacturers in the Tech Transition
While large manufacturers often have the resources to invest in new technologies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can struggle with the transition. Economic developers are stepping up to provide targeted assistance to these SMEs. This might involve connecting them with funding opportunities, facilitating technical consultations with private or public consultants like NCSU’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), or coordinating partnerships with larger firms or research institutions. The goal is to ensure that the entire manufacturing ecosystem, not just the big players, can benefit from Industry 4.0 advancements.
4. Prioritizing Cybersecurity
As manufacturing becomes more digitized, it also becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. Economic developers are increasingly involved in facilitating cybersecurity initiatives for local manufacturers. This could include organizing workshops on cybersecurity best practices, connecting manufacturers with cybersecurity experts, or even advocating for state-level programs to enhance industrial cybersecurity. Protecting manufacturers' digital assets is becoming as important as protecting their physical ones.
5. Crafting Incentives for Tech Adoption
The transition to Industry 4.0 requires significant investment from manufacturers. Existing incentive programs can help ease this burden and accelerate adoption. Repackaging or adapting grants and subsidies for capital investments in advanced equipment, technology infrastructure development, and skilled-worker training programs can help draw attention and interest from tech-minded manufacturers and site consultants. By focusing incentives to the unique challenges of digital transformation, North Carolina can stay competitive growing manufacturing in the global market.
The Industry 4.0 revolution is not just changing how things are made - it's changing how economic development fosters and supports manufacturing growth. This means evolving strategies, expanding partnerships, and reimagining what industrial development looks like in the digital age. By embracing these changes, North Carolina can remain at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs, and fueling economic growth across the state.