Distributed manufacturing for the post COVID world

Travel bans, lockdowns, embargoes, and entire populations isolating and quarantining: the global emergency has impacted industries across the world. The reliance on manufacturing from Asia has led to critical shortages in car parts, technology, medical gear, equipment, and drugs. Peer-to-peer production and maker communities are evolving to strengthen the supply chain while also supporting circular economics and greener production. Distributed manufacturing is taking advantage of resources and talent within closer networks. Boosting local innovation and cutting down on the turnaround times for getting goods and parts where they are critically needed. Businesses across segments are looking at how their network can change to be protected if they find themselves cut off from suppliers.

Utilizing rapid prototyping in speeding innovation and minimizing waste. Turning towards local maker and manufacturing communities to work quickly through testing and UX.

Moderator:

Joseph Janda

Assistant Vicepresident

Research and Graduate Studies

Portland State University

Panelists:

Jessica Gomez

CEO

Rogue Valley Microdevices

Juan Barraza

Director of Student Innovation

Center for Entrepreneurship

Portland State University