Digital transformation and reliance on software applications across all sectors has created new challenges for supply chain management, but the opportunities for supporting production processes and sustainability practices with emerging technology are significant. New production models incorporating advanced materials, digital production, 3D printing, robotics, the Internet of Things, and artificial and virtual reality promise a renewal of American manufacturing rooted in innovation and advanced technology. Blockchain and quantum encryption offer potential authentication capabilities for ensuring the integrity of supply chains vulnerable to compromise. And consumer and industry interest in resource efficiency, product life-cycle, and regenerative design is driving support for circular economy-oriented supply chains. How are government acquisition processes—particularly in the defense sector—adapting to the digital age of manufacturing and supply chain management? How can cross-sector collaboration and coordination continue to advance innovation, trustworthiness, and security?

Speakers:
Georgia-Ann Klutke, Program Director for Operations Engineering at the National Science Foundation
Timothy Sprock, Assistant Research Engineer at the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security at the University of Maryland
Joe Lea, President of Shift5

This meeting is for GUIRR members and invited guests.