Manufacturing Leadership Journal Archives

The complete collection

Manufacturing Leadership Journal

Ideas, research and practical perspectives for manufacturing leaders navigating the next era of industry.

October 2025 issue

Latest issue

October 2025

Manufacturers say data is improving performance, but many still lack a clear strategy. This issue also explores how agentic AI could help accelerate cycles, address labor gaps, and boost competitiveness.

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Issues by year

28 archived issues

August 2025 issue

2025

August 2025

This issue explores AIโ€™s role in the factory of the future and Merckโ€™s digital transformation leadership. It also features insights from MLCโ€™s Future of Manufacturing Project report.

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June 2025 issue

2025

June 2025

CESMIIโ€™s John Dyck explains that successful digital transformation requires executive intent, stronger data quality, and closer IT/OT alignment to build a culture that avoids assumptions and drives value.

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April 2025 issue

2025

April 2025

Eaton shares how it is scaling Industry 4.0 across 200 plants, while a new survey finds tariffs are disrupting supply chains and driving costs up.

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February 2025 issue

2025

February 2025

Dowโ€™s Tim Oโ€™Neal shares how data, AI, and intentional talent placement drive operational excellence.

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December 2024 issue

2024

December 2024

This issue explores how accessibility and training can unlock untapped manufacturing talent, and highlights research on Industry 4.0, GenAI-enabled supply chains, and future manufacturing success.

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October 2024 issue

2024

October 2024

MLCโ€™s Digital Leadership survey finds more manufacturers restructuring for M4.0, but organizational readiness still lags. The issue also explores observability in manufacturing to improve visibility and decision-making.

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August 2024 issue

2024

August 2024

Manufacturers say AI is a game-changer, but new MLC survey results show both major benefits and challenges as adoption matures. This issue also features digital transformation insights from Cooley Group and Celanese.

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June 2024 issue

2024

June 2024

Manufacturing Leadership Council founder David Brousell reflects on 20 years of MLC, discussing the past, present, and future of Manufacturing 4.0 and the challenge of orchestrating digital change across organizations.

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April 2024 issue

2024

April 2024

Manufacturers are still early in their Manufacturing 4.0 journey, working to align digital strategy with business goals while addressing culture, organization, and leadership challenges.

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February 2024 issue

2024

February 2024

Manufacturers are advancing smart factories, but cultural resistance and technology integration remain key hurdles. The goal is innovation that complements workers and promotes responsible, inclusive automation.

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December 2023 issue

2023

December 2023

Manufacturing leaders say AI, autonomy, supply chains, sustainability, and leadership will shape the industry by 2030. They urge putting innovation and digital strategy at the heart of transformation.

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October/November 2023 issue

2023

October/November 2023

MLC survey finds manufacturers rapidly adopting AI on the shop floor, with rising expectations for its future impact. The issue also explores collaboration and the next digital revolution.

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August/September 2023 issue

2023

August/September 2023

MLCโ€™s latest survey finds ongoing supply chain disruptions, but manufacturers are accelerating digital technology adoption, reshaping networks, and improving partner collaboration to navigate the challenges.

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June/July 2023 issue

2023

June/July 2023

Manufacturing executives want digital transformation benefits, but many lack a clear strategy to pursue them. Technology understanding and operational integration are now seen as key leadership traits.

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April 2023 issue

2023

April 2023

Manufacturers show some progress with data mastery efforts, but much opportunity for growth exists.

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February 2023 issue

2023

February 2023

Manufacturers will be pressing ahead with their M4.0 investments as they expand their digital deployments in operations, a new MLC survey reveals.

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December 2022 issue

2022

December 2022

MLC research finds sustainability is becoming a major driver of industrial transformation this decade. The issue also highlights business model innovation as a priority for 2030.

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October 2022 issue

2022

October 2022

A new Manufacturing Leadership Council survey says technology adoption is accelerating as manufacturers use transformative digital tools to reshape work and solve problems. This issue also highlights enterprise-wide AI/ML and a M2030 perspective.

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August 2022 issue

2022

August 2022

Manufacturers are taking a more disciplined approach to cybersecurity as cyber threats grow, according to a new MLC survey. The issue also explores the Manufacturing Metaverse and future industry collaboration.

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June 2022 issue

2022

June 2022

Manufacturing leaders are adapting to a fast-changing digital era, where technology, human creativity, and talent all shape smart factories and autonomous enterprises. This issue also explores emerging digital ecosystems and partnerships.

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April 2022 issue

2022

April 2022

MLC survey warns supply chain disruptions may continue into 2023 as manufacturers adopt more resilient strategies. This issue also explores the distributed enterprise and future manufacturing technologies.

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December 2021 issue

2021

December 2021

While manufacturers overwhelmingly seek more environmentally responsible practices, the pace of change still needs to increase to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

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October 2021 issue

2021

October 2021

Shellโ€™s future vision is being fueled by sustainable innovation, data, and meaningful digitalization.

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August 2021 issue

2021

August 2021

Nilo Caravaca says the right digital technologies, talent, and engagement can multiply manufacturing performance. The article also explores how manufacturers are still working to turn data into operational and revenue gains.

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June 2021 issue

2021

June 2021

Francisco Betti says the World Economic Forumโ€™s Lighthouse Network is driving enterprise-wide transformation, business model change and growth. COVID-19 has permanently reshaped manufacturing leadership and competition.

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April 2021 issue

2021

April 2021

Vicki Holt discusses how digital transformation and accelerated innovation can help solve major challenges. The pandemic also pushed manufacturers to adopt Industry 4.0 culture faster.

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February 2021 issue

2021

February 2021

GM executive Gerald Johnson says technology-powered production is vital to the companyโ€™s future, while COVID accelerated Manufacturing 4.0 adoption across nearly all factory functions.

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December 2020 issue

2020

December 2020

The future state of manufacturing will be a highly efficient, high-tech engine of mass customization, driven by technology and transformed by innovation.

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