John Hazen White Global Manufacturing Initiative established

Washington D.C. — John Hazen White Jr., a Trustee of the Brookings Institution, has provided a gift to the Institution’s Governance Studies program to establish the John Hazen White Global Manufacturing Initiative in support of research and policy proposals designed to advance manufacturing around the world. Brookings Vice President of Governance Studies Darrell West will lead the work of the new Initiative, which seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the manufacturing industry, including those related to energy costs, regulation, standard-setting processes, and workforce development.

“Manufacturing is a vital driver of innovation and economic development around the world. It comprises around 12 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product, and even higher proportions in many other countries,” said Darrell West. “But new manufacturing approaches and robotics are significantly altering how we produce goods. This new Initiative is the first of its kind and will contribute to improved policymaking that allows the U.S. and other nations to benefit from a rapidly evolving industry.”

Under the direction of West and with the assistance of other scholars, the John Hazen White Global Manufacturing Initiative will undertake research, convene experts, host public events, and develop effective policy and regulatory proposals to inform the next generation of manufacturing policy. Additionally, the Initiative will continue the long-running John Hazen White Forum on Public Policy, an annual event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to examine the leading manufacturing issues of the day.

“We are grateful to John for his leadership in this important policy area and for his longstanding support of the Institution,” said Brookings President Strobe Talbott. “Our scholars are eager to expand their research and policy endeavors related to 21^st century manufacturing, which he has made possible with this generous gift.”

“I am excited to collaborate with the Brookings Institution in this endeavor, which will result in options and opportunities to grow and move the foundation of manufacturing forward, both in the U.S. and globally,” said John Hazen White Jr.