Elevating “the art of the possible” with an evolutionary strategic plan

For 90 years, SME has proudly advanced the manufacturing ecosystem as it has worked to solve some of society’s greatest challenges. Today, manufacturers face unprecedented times that test our industry’s resilience — from supply-chain shortages and disruptive operational change to scarcities of talent. To overcome these challenges and improve continuously, our industry must build a robust pathway to the future. We must digitize so manufacturing can progress with new, advanced technologies and a reinvigorated, skilled workforce. SME stands at the intersection of technology and workforce development, working hand in hand with industry, academia, government and communities to help manufacturers thrive to ensure our national security and global economic success.

Robert “Bob” Willig Executive Director & CEO, SME

Together, SME’s leadership and executive staff, informed by our members, partners and customers, have created an evolutionary strategic plan that reinforces our longstanding mission to accelerate the widespread adoption of smart and advanced technologies, and to build manufacturing’s talent and capabilities. Through collaboration across public and private sectors, and in alignment with the White House’s National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, we at SME aim to advance a diverse, thriving and valued manufacturing ecosystem, support economic growth and position our society for a bright and sustainable future.

Our history defines our path and shapes our role in driving manufacturing forward. As we help mold and shape the next generation of manufacturing talent and inspire today’s leaders with technological innovations, we imbue our businesses with excellence and offer an optimistic outlook for our industry and for our society.

Manufacturing is the art of the possible. Here’s to 90 more years of success.

Robert “Bob” Willig Executive Director & CEO, SME

Key Strategic Areas

1. LEADERSHIP: Since 1932, SME has been a leader in serving the manufacturing ecosystem to elevate businesses, academia, professionals and their communities.

2. CONNECTIONS: SME collaborations across the public and private sectors connect manufacturers to practical resources that accelerate technological adoption, operational transformation and talent development.

3. TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGIES: SME connects our industry to the research, technologies and resources that propel operations to excellence.

4. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: SME builds the bridge from today to the future through its programs and initiatives that drive the attraction, development and diversification of the current and future manufacturing workforce.