By Samuel Tetteh TEI
The world is experiencing an unprecedented pace and scale of technological change, where staying ahead is crucial for economic success. Robotic-enabled automation, enhanced supply chain digitalization, and additive manufacturing stand at the forefront of the trends reshaping international production, collectively driving efficiency, agility, and innovation across industries.
Additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing is revolutionizing the way products are designed, prototyped, and manufactured. It offers new possibilities for efficiency, customization, and sustainability in manufacturing processes. AM has provided significant opportunities for the implementation of distributed manufacturing, which is also known as distributed production and local manufacturing. It is interesting to see new and developing applications of AM.
Among them are the 3D printing of medicine, living tissue, fashion designs, and furniture. They show the impressive breadth and promise of AM beyond industrial applications. Advancements in multi-material (3D printing) will enable more functional and aesthetic uses across industries. 3D printing experiencing strong growth that is unlikely to abate anytime soon. Not only is this production method booming in terms of numbers, but also in terms of trust in the technology – which has proven to be quite reliable.
Robotic-enabled automation
Robotic-enabled automation is revolutionizing international production by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing flexibility, and improving safety. This trend involves the use of advanced robots and automated systems to perform tasks traditionally done by human workers. As new developments in robotics emerge, they are ushering in a new era of automation that is altering industries as well as our everyday lives. Robots are becoming increasingly important in a variety of fields, including healthcare, agriculture, and transportation among others.
Enhanced supply chain digitalization
Supply chain digitalization refers to the process of integrating digital technologies and solutions into various aspects of the supply chain from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to customers. This trend is reshaping international production by leveraging technology to streamline operations, efficiency and improve collaboration across global networks. Evolving capabilities across generative AI, data analytics, machine learning, internet of things (IoT), blockchain etc. are reshaping the supply chain world.
Embracing the future
To thrive in this dynamic landscape, companies must cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement leveraging differentiation and value creation. The UNIDO Industrial Development Report 2020 highlights the economic benefit of adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, including enhanced productivity and improved access to international market and value chains.
The writer is a Development Economist| Trade Policy Analyst | Market Entry Strategy
