Future of Manufacturing Project
Imagine a Better Future
Ever since the Manufacturing Leadership Council’s earliest beginnings, it challenged manufacturers to “imagine a better future.” The Future of Manufacturing Project is a way for manufacturers to understand the key trends unfolding today that will help them realize that future.
Each year, The Future of Manufacturing Project focuses on key trends—with a new annual focus area kicking off in December—as an opportunity to alert and educate our members, followed by a variety of programming and signature research throughout the year. These focus areas are:
- Megatrends: The Next Phase of Digital Evolution (2022)
- AI: The Future of Industrial AI in Manufacturing (2023)
- Data: The Coming Data Value Revolution (2024)
- AI: Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future (2025)
- Leadership: The Future of Digital Leadership (2026)
- Technology: Emerging Technology in Manufacturing (2027)
In today’s digital and global industry, manufacturers must be aware of the key demographic, economic, technology, leadership and workforce trends that will shape the years ahead. Success will belong to those organizations that don’t just manage change, but welcome it. Don’t just be an observer to this exciting future—be a part of creating it!
The Future of Manufacturing Project was formerly known as the Manufacturing in 2030 Project.
New Survey Report
The Future of Digital Leadership
The MLC’s latest Future of Manufacturing Project survey report explores how manufacturers are preparing leaders for AI-driven operations, data-powered decision-making and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.
Upcoming Virtual Events
The Future of Digital Leadership – 2026 Survey Results
The Next Operating Model: AI That Executes, Not Just Advises
Leadership Models for Data-Focused Organizations
Research
Project Surveys and Reports
Deep dives into the trends shaping manufacturing's next decade.
Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future
As manufacturers look ahead, AI is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping operations, with challenges and opportunities on the horizon. (2025)
Read the Survey ReportData Mastery: A Key to Industrial Competitiveness
Part of the Project’s focus on Data Mastery—the ability to gather, organize, analyze and use information from all facets of manufacturing to produce step-changes in efficiency, cost-effectiveness and productivity. (2024)
Read the Survey ReportThe Future of Industrial AI in Manufacturing
A Future of Manufacturing Project report on how industrial AI is reshaping operations, decision-making and competitiveness. (2023)
Read the Survey ReportSurvey: A Lens on the Future
This survey of senior manufacturing executives, spanning multiple functional roles and company sizes, envisions what manufacturing will look like by 2030. (2022)
Read the Survey ReportWhite Paper: The Next Phase of Digital Evolution
An examination of Megatrends affecting the industry, industry trends and themes, and key questions the industry needs to address in the years ahead. (2022)
Read the Survey ReportOur Partners
The Future of Manufacturing Project Is Supported by These Partners
Be Part of Creating the Future
Join the manufacturing leaders shaping what comes next.
