This is important because ethical, sustainable manufacturing is foundational to a sustainable economy. I don't think any single entity - country, company, person should "own" manufacturing. Some of the other comments touch on this, but manufacturing has far broader implications for the domestic middle class (whatever country you're in) as well as for the environment.
Manufacturing jobs as we remember them - Roseanne at the plastic utensil factory, nor as they are - assembling iPhones, are not next-gen manufacturing jobs. Those jobs will be designing, building and maintaining automated industrial productivity.
I think manufacturing gets overlooked because it is not relatable and not sexy. However, it is incredibly cool. There is a significant opportunity for innovation with tremendous social and environmental impact.
Manufacturing jobs as we remember them - Roseanne at the plastic utensil factory, nor as they are - assembling iPhones, are not next-gen manufacturing jobs. Those jobs will be designing, building and maintaining automated industrial productivity.
I think manufacturing gets overlooked because it is not relatable and not sexy. However, it is incredibly cool. There is a significant opportunity for innovation with tremendous social and environmental impact.