Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Find research and reports to drive informed decisions.

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Browse All Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

46 Resources

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

HARD TECHNOLOGIES FOR HARD ROI

Discover how small and mid-sized manufacturers can strategically deploy robotics and advanced process controls to stabilize production, address workforce challenges, and achieve measurable returns.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAIAutomationQuality Management Technology

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Advance McHenry County

See how targeted investments helped 74 McHenry County manufacturers strengthen their businesses and generate an estimated $50.6 million in economic impact.

Grants and Initiatives

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented

See how strategic investment helped Cook County manufacturers strengthen their operations, workforce, and growth strategies, generating $737.8 million in aggregate economic impact.

Grants and Initiatives

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

STRATEGIC AUTOMATION INVESTMENT

Discover how strategic, targeted automation investments can help manufacturers address workforce challenges, improve productivity, support reshoring, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAIAutomationStrategic Planning Technology

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

2025 Made in Illinois Impact Report

See how strategic investment is helping Illinois manufacturers modernize, strengthen their workforce, increase productivity, and build a more competitive future.

Grants and Initiatives

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

THE NEXT FRONTIER

Discover how AI, digital twins, IIoT, and sustainable technologies are helping small and medium-sized manufacturers build connected factories that improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAIAutomationStrategic Planning Technology

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Gaining Executive Commitment to Apprenticeship

Discover how to gain executive buy-in by positioning apprenticeship as a strategic investment that strengthens your workforce, reduces risk, and drives long-term business success.

Apprenticeships Workforce

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Defense Industry Day Presentations

Access the presentation materials from Defense Industry Day, where manufacturers, defense contractors, and industry experts came together to discuss opportunities within the defense industrial base. These presentations provide insights into […]

Supply Chain Operations

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Developing the Next Level of Leadership in Manufacturing

Manufacturers facing persistent workforce shortages and evolving skill demands can leverage apprenticeships as a proven, high-ROI strategy to build sustainable talent pipelines and future-proof their operations.

Coaching & DevelopmentHuman Resources Leadership

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Grant Guide for Small Businesses

Learn how to identify grant opportunities, submit competitive applications, and secure funding to support your business growth.

Business Growth Grants and InitiativesGrowth

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

5 Critical OSHA Standards Every Manufacturer Should Get Right

Manufacturers don’t struggle with knowing safety matters, they struggle with executing it consistently. This whitepaper breaks down five of the most critical OSHA standards impacting manufacturing operations today, highlighting where […]

Safety Operations

Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce

Apprenticeships turn workforce uncertainty into a predictable, controllable input, delivering measurable ROI while strengthening operational stability and long-term competitiveness.

Apprenticeships Workforce