In a year of unprecedented disruption, North America’s economies are looking particularly vulnerable. Now is the time to explore the outlook for 2021 and beyond and discover what businesses can do to shield themselves from further uncertainty

2020 has seen political, social and economic upheavals in North America, to what extent has this led to an acceleration in digitisation  How many of the changes to working practices - in business and on the factory floor - were already underway, and which ones are here to stay?

For centuries, manufacturing has been quick to embrace innovation but perhaps now is the time to consider and explore other skills and roles that should be developed alongside automation.

Will we see a renaissance in North American manufacturing?

Manufacturing has for centuries been quick to embrace innovation, while adapting its workforces and business models to new technologies. From advanced robotics to artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to augmented reality, the sector continues to digitise in a bid for efficiency, cost effectiveness and consumer impact. 

With sharp disruptions to supply and demand during the global lockdown, the industry is emerging more resilient and even more focused on a digital future. What is less clear is how the pandemic will impact the human side of businesses, in terms of maintaining jobs, implementing new safety and hygiene measures, and upskilling workers amid increasing automation.  

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