Driving the Manufacturing Renaissance

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Insights You'll Gain

With this resource you will learn to:

  • A new framework for identifying manufacturing growth clusters and critical suppliers

  • The top eight high-opportunity manufacturing clusters in Illinois, including food processing, energy tech, and quantum computing

  • Key supplier industries: such as metal components and electrical equipment, driving cross-sector growth

  • Illinois’ competitive advantages in workforce, infrastructure, and legacy manufacturing strengths

  • Specific opportunities in automated machinery and grid modernization

  • Actionable strategies for manufacturers and stakeholders to seize next-economy opportunities

Driving the Manufacturing Renaissance explores the transformative potential of Illinois to lead in the next era of U.S. manufacturing. Amidst rapid technological change, global supply chain disruptions, and major federal investments, the report provides a fresh analytical framework for identifying high-potential growth clusters, critical supplier industries, and strategic opportunities. It presents a clear roadmap to strengthen Illinois’ legacy strengths, especially in metal fabrication and electrical components, and align them with emerging sectors like automation, electrification, and advanced materials. Developed by IMEC in collaboration with RW Ventures and Mass Economics, the report outlines targeted strategies to position Illinois as a national manufacturing powerhouse for the future.

Related Resources

Whitepapers & Reports

Small Wins, Big Shifts: Using AI to Boost Productivity Without Disruption

Build momentum in your digital transformation with targeted AI solutions that offer immediate value, without turning your business upside down. Start small. See results fast.

AI OperationsTechnology
Whitepapers & Reports

Make Onshoring Great Again: Handbook

The Make Onshoring Great Again: Handbook gives manufacturers the tools to reshore operations, strengthen supply chains, and create U.S. jobs. Learn how to assess costs, access funding, and connect with trusted American suppliers.

Supply Chain OperationsStrategy
Whitepapers & Reports

IMEC Insights: AI for Illinois Manufacturers

Discover insights into AI adoption and how peers are testing AI, building policies, and preparing for long-term integration.

AIHuman Resources OperationsStrategyTechnology
Whitepapers & Reports

Fix Your Data First: The Hidden Barrier to AI in Manufacturing

Your ERP isn’t broken, your data is. Duplicate part numbers, outdated lead times, and inventory errors are quietly draining profits. Learn how to clean up the 20% of data causing 80% of the headaches; so you can cut waste, speed delivery, and prepare for AI.

AILean Manufacturing OperationsTechnology
Whitepapers & Reports

Driving the Manufacturing Renaissance

Discover how Illinois can lead the next manufacturing era: insights, strategies, and opportunities await.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAIStrategic PlanningSupply Chain GrowthTechnology
Whitepapers & Reports

AI on the Shop Floor

Artificial Intelligence is no longer the domain of tech giants, small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across Illinois are already using AI to solve real challenges on the shop floor. From predictive maintenance to defect detection and digital twins, AI offers accessible, practical tools that increase productivity, reduce downtime, and free up skilled workers for higher-value tasks.

AI Technology
View All Whitepapers & Reports