While the sector was faced with increased pressure during the pandemic, the crisis has helped the world see manufacturing in a completely different way: the sector has played a key role in the global response to the crisis – from PPE to ventilators to medical supplies, it would be not possible to deal with the pandemic without manufacturers.

The fact that much of the sector has remained operational throughout the crisis puts it in a unique position of leadership. As nations slowly emerge from lockdowns, organisations from other sectors will be looking at manufacturers for guidance on standards, health and safety procedures, hybrid work modeling and the best way to support people’s mental health.

When we look at the future of manufacturing, the sector also stands out when it comes to the development and adoption of technology and innovation. From automation to co-bots, to virtual and augmented reality, manufactures are often in the vanguard of embracing new technologies. Yet, with any technology, the challenge often lies in creating the right culture of innovation and adaptability.

From a sustainability perspective, manufactures are increasingly expected to develop their own path towards carbon neutrality – which has a major impact on supply chains, people, products, processes, and profitability. There are, however, two ways executives can look at this: they can see it as a challenge that needs to be navigated, or they can embrace it as an opportunity that can be seized.

The change, naturally, starts with mindsets, and therefore investing in organisational development becomes vital in this process.