Manufacturing Innovation Summit Gains Industry Support for National Innovation Strategy

Proposed innovation model is favored by top industry executives from across U.S.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the Manufacturing Innovation Summit in Columbus yesterday, top industry executives from 23 innovative manufacturing companies across America gathered to discuss manufacturing technology innovation models. The summit, which was co-hosted by EWI and The Manufacturing Institute, was an integral step in an ongoing effort to create a national innovation strategy that will strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

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Commenting on the day's events, Chris Conrardy, EWI Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Technology and Innovation, said, "The energy in the room was palpable. America needs an innovation infrastructure to mature and transition advanced manufacturing technologies from the laboratory to the shop floor. Other countries have such an infrastructure, putting our manufacturers at a disadvantage. All of the participants were very engaged, and eager to develop an effective innovation model for our country. By the end of the day, the group was unanimous in its support of a preferred approach. Our next step will be to refine the model and communicate the concept to policymakers."

Referring to the diversity of the manufacturing companies represented, Henry Cialone, EWI President and Chief Executive Officer, noted, "We all want the same thing:  To improve the competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing industry on the global stage." He went on to say, "The importance of industry collaboration and public-private partnership in building a strong national innovation infrastructure cannot be overemphasized. Germany, the United Kingdom, and other nations are far ahead of us in that regard. The good news is that we have a plan, and industry appears to support that plan."   

About EWI
EWI is an international thought-leader on materials joining and allied technologies. It uses manufacturing technology innovation to increase the competitiveness of over 2,700 member locations of global leaders in the aerospace, automotive, defense, petrochemical, government, heavy manufacturing, and electronics industries. EWI also operates a variety of technology-based centers and consortia to further increase manufacturing innovation. To learn more, visit www.ewi.org, email [email protected], or call 614.688.5000.

CONTACT: Nate Ames, EWI, +1-614-688-5135, [email protected]

SOURCE EWI