There is no precise universal definition for “Advanced Manufacturing”, but the phrase is widely used for any new innovative approach to create new products or enhance existing processes. Our perspective is that “Advanced Manufacturing” is the use of innovation in manufacturing more with less negative impacts whether that be over consumption of raw resources or harmful emissions. 

Current Federal data identifying manufacturing industries contributing by:

• Employing 1.7 million people—10% of the Canadian workforce
• Paying workers more in total compensation than any other sector—$114 billion
• Generating 42% of all private-sector research and development activity

Federal targets by 2030 are to increase manufacturing sales by 50%, to $1 trillion and exports by 50%, to $540 billion. We submit that we are more likely to accomplish this by innovating faster for our needs leap frogging development rather than following other jurisdictions. 

Whether we want to manufacture buildings, automobiles, satellites or aircraft doing it faster and more effectively with less waste is what will allow us to compete in the global marketplace. Innovations in this theme including the novel materials to enable it are what we pursue in the Advanced Manufacturing theme.