The systems and structures that will power America's next chapter, from advanced manufacturing to the digital infrastructure that connects modern life.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." — Abraham Lincoln
For decades, America's competitive edge rested on infrastructure and industrial capacity that were the envy of the world. Today, much of that foundation is aging, underinvested, or has migrated overseas entirely. The pandemic revealed supply chain vulnerabilities we'd ignored. The chip shortage showed how dependent we'd become on distant factories for critical technologies.
A nation cannot lead the future if it can't build the future. Advanced manufacturing, resilient infrastructure, energy independence, and digital connectivity aren't separate policy debates, they're interconnected pieces of the same puzzle.
Deep Dive
Analysis of America's aging infrastructure and the investment needed to modernize roads, bridges, ports, and digital networks for the 21st century economy.
Read More →After decades building an intricate global production network optimized for cost and innovation, the industry now faces pressure to splinter into regional blocks. Politicians pressure companies to chase chip independence at any cost. But this shift raises important questions: Can any nation truly achieve chip self-sufficiency?
Read More →The digital divide persists in rural America. This report examines successful models for expanding broadband access to underserved communities.
Read More →A new analysis from Resources for the Future shows that likely upcoming electric vehicle policy reversals would impose a $33-billion cost overall.
Read More →Test Your Assumptions
We're told the country is hopelessly divided. But on the issues that matter for building tomorrow, the data tells a different story. Guess what percentage of Americans support each policy — then see if you're surprised.
Nearly 9 in 10 Americans believe critical infrastructure should be built with American materials. This isn't a partisan issue — it's a shared priority.
More than 4 in 5 Americans support manufacturing investment. The industrial comeback isn't a culture war — it's common ground.
Three-quarters of Americans see infrastructure modernization as essential. Bridges, broadband, and the grid aren't partisan — they're practical.
Nearly 8 in 10 Americans want tech independence. From semiconductors to rare earth minerals, the desire for resilience crosses party lines.
How did your assumptions compare to reality?
Most Americans underestimate how much agreement exists on infrastructure and industrial policy. The consensus is already there — it's waiting for leaders to act on it.
Source: National polling data, 2024
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The best insights often come from those doing the work, not just those writing about it. Our goal is to amplify voices that bridge divides and offer practical wisdom grounded in real experience.
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