Manufacturing USA drives $540m investment and 900+ R&D projects, report shows

Posted on 25 Mar 2026 by James Devonshire
Company: Manufacturing USA

The Manufacturing USA network invested nearly $540m in advanced manufacturing initiatives and delivered more than 900 research and development projects, according to its latest annual report.

The report highlights the growing role of the public-private partnership model in strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, supply chains, and workforce development across the United States.

Major investment and industry reach

In FY2023, Manufacturing USA institutes collectively invested approximately $539.9m, including $380m from industry, state, and other non-federal sources, alongside $160 million in federal base funding.

The network now includes:

  • 17 manufacturing innovation institutes
  • 2,900+ member organizations
  • A strong SME presence, with 73% of industry members classified as small or mid-sized manufacturers

This co-investment model—at a ratio of roughly 2.4:1 non-federal to federal funding—underscores continued industry buy-in for collaborative manufacturing innovation.

Scaling innovation into production

A central theme of the report is the push to bridge the gap between research and commercial manufacturing.

In 2023 alone, the network supported:

  • 920+ applied R&D projects
  • 85% success rate in meeting technical objectives

These projects span critical areas including electronics, materials, automation, and biomanufacturing, with a focus on scaling technologies into cost-effective domestic production.

The report emphasizes that overcoming scale-up challenges remains essential to improving U.S. manufacturing productivity and competitiveness.

Workforce development accelerates

Workforce development continues to be a core pillar of the program’s impact.

More than:

  • 150,000 workers, students, and educators engaged in training programs
  • 17,000+ certifications and apprenticeships completed

The network also launched new national initiatives, including a Manufacturing USA Workforce Roadmap and the Modern Makers program, aimed at expanding talent pipelines and improving perceptions of manufacturing careers.

Strengthening domestic supply chains

The report positions Manufacturing USA as a key mechanism for building resilient, domestic manufacturing ecosystems, particularly in strategic sectors.

Through its institute network, the program:

  • Accelerates technology commercialization
  • Supports regional manufacturing hubs
  • Strengthens supply chain independence in critical technologies

Examples highlighted include new pilot production capabilities for energy components and cost-reduction breakthroughs in process manufacturing.

Strategic role in US industrial policy

Backed by federal agencies including the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Energy, Manufacturing USA continues to play a central role in advancing national manufacturing priorities.

The report concludes that the network’s collaborative model—linking industry, academia, and government—is increasingly critical to maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing and economic security.

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