Economic Expansion, Industry Events and the Latest on Tariffs
Release Date: 03/10/2026
Is the Next Industrial Revolution Here?
Advanced Manufacturing Now
Manufacturers expect levels of tech enablement and automation to more than double by 2030, according to PwC’s Global Industrial Manufacturing Sector Outlook 2026. In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, we speak with Ryan Hawk, global and US industrials and services leader for PwC, about the report and what industry leaders are saying about the future of manufacturing.
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Leveraging Military Research for Commercial Use
Advanced Manufacturing Now
We're joined by Stephen Luckowski, director of the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology program's Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships (T3CP) Office. SME Chief Technology Officer Brett Conner speaks with Luckowski about the responsibilities of the T3CP Office, as well as its recent patent holiday providing no-fee commercial evaluation licenses for a curated selection of patents from War Department laboratories.
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WEBINAR : Scaling Wire Harness Production Without Rework or Chaos
Advanced Manufacturing Now
Wire harness manufacturing is facing rising complexity, tighter timelines, and zero tolerance for errors - yet many teams still rely on physical formboards and manual interpretation on the shop floor. In this webinar, we’ll explore how manufacturers are digitizing wire harness manufacturing execution, replacing guesswork with guided, real-time build instructions driven directly from design data. This session will examine where errors typically occur, why they’re often discovered too late, and how leading teams are shifting quality upstream during the build process. Attendees will learn...
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The Price of Offshoring, The Call for Reshoring
Advanced Manufacturing Now
SME Media Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb and Senior Editor Michael McConnell sit down with Harry Moser, president of the Reshoring Initiative, to explore the growing impact of reshoring on the U.S. economy. They discuss how reshoring can quickly strengthen the U.S. economy and boost competitiveness by building a stronger skilled workforce. This is an audio-only recording of our latest episode of Advanced Manufacturing Live. Follow SME Media on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube to catch our next episode live.
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Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom, Innovation and Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing Now
On July 4, 2026, America will officially celebrate 250 years of independence. But the festivities have already started, with a barrage of local parades, tech activities, educational events and contests across the country, including the Great American State Fair, sponsored by Freedom 250. CEO Keith Krach, a serial entrepreneur and innovator, shares some of the highlights, history and what’s next as the country reignites the American spirit.
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Tackling Configuration Challenges with AI
Advanced Manufacturing Now
We sit down with Laura Beckwith, Director of Product Management at Configit, to explore the evolving role of generative AI in manufacturing—and why it’s not as simple as plugging AI into existing systems.
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What’s Next for an Original Rosie the Riveter
Advanced Manufacturing Now
Mae Krier has lived an amazing life. She started working at Boeing, riveting the wings of B-17 and B-29 planes during World War II, and has been a fierce advocate for all the Rosies ever since. She’s inspired countless girls and women throughout her life, and now—after just turning 100—she’s working with Raya Kenney to erect a monument to the Rosies in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the WWII Women's Memorial Foundation, visit them at
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WEBINAR : The Manufacturer’s Guide to R&D Tax Credits - How Do Manufacturers Qualify & What Changed With the OBBB
Advanced Manufacturing Now
The R&D Tax Credit is a tax credit that businesses can claim for qualified U.S. research and development spending — things like developing or improving products, processes, formulas, or software. However, navigating the R&D credit landscape is not without its hurdles. Challenges include identifying qualifying activities on the shop floor, managing the rigorous documentation required for audits, and integrating tax strategy into broader business development goals. This webinar will review the current updates and opportunities with the R&D tax credit for the manufacturing sector....
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2027 Defense Budget Proposal and a Visit to Newlab — Advanced Manufacturing Live
Advanced Manufacturing Now
SME Media Editor Rachael Thomas and Associate Editor Cary Gitter sit down for an industry update, discussing recent news on the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a visit to Michigan Central and Newlab in Detroit, and the administration's proposed defense budget for 2027. This is an audio-only recording of our latest episode of Advanced Manufacturing Live. Follow SME Media on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube to catch our next episode live.
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Manufacturing Strength is National Security, a Conversation with Brett Conner
Advanced Manufacturing Now
We sit down with SME's chief Manufacturing Officer, Dr. Brett Conner, to discuss the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy, and what they mean for manufacturers in the United States.
info_outlineSME Media Senior Editor Michael McConnell, Editor Rachel Thomas and Associate Editor Cary Gitter sit down for an industry update, discussing economic expansion in the manufacturing sector, a visit to Autotool Tech Day in Ohio and the latest news on tariffs.
This is an audio recording of our latest episode of Advanced Manufacturing Live. Follow SME Media on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube to catch our next episode live.