For all that the American economy has going for it, supply chains are at risk from foreign dependency. Throughout history, countries that have had the ability to explore the world have sought out cheap land, cheap labor, new sources of raw material, and secure trade routes to build economic power. These countries also engaged their military to protect their interests. With more economic power, these countries were able to exert their influence in areas far from their homeland.
After WW2, longstanding colonial relationships based in Europe were dissolved and reorganized into independent governments with new suitors from the remaining superpowers eager to invest in creating new economically driven relationships.
As the corporate world became increasingly globalized, national borders became less important, and sourcing raw materials, labor and production facilities was driven more on economics than national security interests. This reorganization has created a new economic world order where power is now with countries that have more manufacturing capacity and sources of essential raw materials.
GreenG has been in discussions with officials when this current state of the world has been expressed, “We (the U.S.) need to be concerned that the weapons that we seek to develop to protect our national security interests are made with raw materials controlled and supplied by the country(s) we may be fighting…”
Every year, the Department of Defense presents its annual industrial capacity report to Congress. In recent years, these reports have consistently expressed the need to focus efforts and investment into “reshoring” production capabilities.
Examples of “reshoring” include:
- locating domestic sources for critical raw materials that are needed for the manufacturing of components;
- investing in workforce development programs that engage in training new manufacturing skills;
- building the manufacturing, engineering, and R&D infrastructure, modernizing defense acquisition procedures; and
- exercising the DoD’s role as customer, investor, regulator and partner with private industry.
GreenG Network is dedicated to promoting an economic development strategy of regional tech centers located in communities of need, both rural and urban, where the needs of the workers and surrounding communities will be addressed. When fully developed, these regional tech centers will be a community hub.
GreenG Network believes that building resilient supply chains is a national security issue and deserves a WW2 War Bond type funding effort.
Are you ready for change?