Insights and Data
Data to Inform
Workforce Planning
Our team of researchers and analysts take a data-driven approach to understanding industrial change and corresponding trends in education and training. We provide data and offer insights at the regional, state, and national levels as well as drill down into specific populations, like veterans.
A Critical Window for Workforce Intermediaries in Defense Manufacturing
As defense production accelerates, workforce intermediaries must act now to close talent gaps, speed training, and strengthen the supply chain partnerships manufacturers need to scale.
Production times won’t wait. Here’s what workforce intermediaries need to do now.
Workforce Pell is Coming. Here is What it Means for Defense Manufacturing.
A major new federal funding stream is coming available, and it could reshape how your community builds its defense manufacturing pipeline
July 1, 2026
Pell Grants available for short-term workforce training.
The Biomanufacturing Opportunity: Why Regional Action Matters Now
To lead in biomanufacturing, U.S. regions must pair world-class innovation with the workforce and infrastructure needed to scale it.
$16.4B
Is the size of the synthetic biology market.
The Pentagon Just Rewrote the Playbook. Here’s What it Means for Your Region
The 2026 National Defense Strategy makes rebuilding America’s manufacturing base a top-tier national security priority.
$21B
Increase in defense R&D budget for 2026.
The Human Element: How AI Elevates Defense Manufacturing Workforce Skills
AI is shaping manufacturing, and Defense requirements are leading the way
AI
Lessons from the past
Top 5 Training Trends to Watch in 2026
Defense manufacturing training is evolving fast as technology and federal programs reshape worker readiness.
2026
Trends to Watch
Top defense manufacturing regions
Los Angeles has the largest workforce and one of the strongest industrial bases for defense aircraft components.
$29.7B
In contract value (2021-2025)
Growing Microelectronics Workforce
Orlando is one of the nation’s fastest-growing microelectronics talent hubs.
10,913
Workers in microelectronics-related roles across the region.
Hypersonics Federal Investment
Federal hypersonics spending remains almost entirely R&D focused.
$9B+
Federal hypersonics-related obligations since 2019, with ~93 percent dedicated to RDT&E.
Mapping the Biomanufacturing Workforce
Nearly 4 million U.S. workers support biomanufacturing and strengthen national competitiveness.
4M
Workers in U.S. metros with occupations relevant to biomanufacturing.
