Disruptions Are Expected to Persist, Prompting Some Firms to Rethink Supply Chain Management

Despite expectations that supply chain challenges would have subsided, disruptions continue. In response, some firms are making changes to the way that they manage their supply chains, and these changes are expected to be long-lasting. Read More  

Manufacturing Wage Premiums Have Diverged between Production and Nonproduction Workers

Manufacturing jobs have long been associated with good wages. While some manufacturing workers still enjoy relatively high wages, the premium for workers on the factory floor has shrunk dramatically. Why? And what does it mean for workforce policy? Read More  

Rural Employment in Four States: A Story of Specialization and Change (2010 through 2019)

Is specializing in an industry the way to economic success or the road to economic challenges for rural communities? It depends on the community’s resilience. Read More  

COVID-19 and Supply Chains: A Year of Evolving Disruption

From product shortages to capacity constraints in the freight sector, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted supply chains continuously if inconsistently. As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the global economy, will supply chain disruptions continue, too? Read More  

Manufacturing under Pressure

The headwinds are fierce, but manufacturing is humming in the heartland. This three-part series explores the booms and busts; the opportunities available for workers, including those without four-year degrees; and the ways that people, companies, and communities are responding—and can respond—to changes and challenges. Read more