Forfas recently published Making it in Ireland: Manufacturing 2020 which sets out a clear vision for the future of manufacturing industry in Ireland. The comprehensive report adopts a broad definition of “manufacturing” as “encompassing a broad range of activities from research and development through design, production, logistics and distribution to marketing and after sales services”. As such, the report recognises that “manufacturing” is just one link in the wider product supply chain and that this link can not be considered in isolation. This approach is wholly in line with the philosophy that NITL has been espousing for many years.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Dr. Edward Sweeney of NITL commended Forfas on producing a robust analysis of recent trends and future scenarios for manufacturing in Ireland. “Forecasts of the demise of manufacturing in Ireland and other developed economies have been premature and this is clearly recognised in this report. We don’t live in a ‘post-industrial’ society where manufacturing is confined to the history books. It is simply that the nature of manufacturing – the ‘make’ link in the wider supply chain – has changed and evolved in line with structural changes in the global economic landscape. This report sets out a clear vision for the future of manufacturing in Ireland as these international product supply chains continue to evolve”.

NITL’s work in the context of shifts in global supply chain networks is acknowledged in the report and we look forward to being part of the implementation of the various strategic actions that have been identified. For further information about the report visit http://www.forfas.ie/publications/featuredpublications/title,10445,en.php