Disruptive technologies from additive manufacturing to artificial intelligence are transforming global production systems and unleashing a new wave of competition among both producers and countries. They impact and alter all end-to-end steps of the production process and, as a result, transform the products that consumers demand, factory processes and footprints, and the management of global supply chains, in addition to industry dynamics and countries’ access to value chains. As knowledge partner on the important yearlong World Economic Forum initiative Shaping the Future of Production, A.T. Kearney is at the forefront of this transformation—helping a global team of government and business leaders understand, prepare for, and take advantage of the changes. Drawing upon our deep expertise in manufacturing consulting, we aim to prepare companies and countries to accelerate value creation and come out on top.

1. How Companies and
Countries Can Prepare for
the Future of Production
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2. In four years, the number of connected
devices is forecasted to double.
Today, only 15% of production assets
are connected.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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3. 70% of captured
production data
goes unused.
Artificial intelligence
can change that.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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4. The $700 million wearables market
is expected to grow to $5 billion
by 2020. Wearables will
transform human–
machine interactions.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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5. Today, advance robotics handles 10% of
production tasks: roughly 250,000 units
were sold in 2015. By 2020, advanced
robotics is expected to handle 45% of
production tasks, and units sold will
reach about 400,000.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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6. At $5 billion in 2016, the global market for
3-D printing is projected to rise to $16 billion
by 2020. Advancements in metal capabilities
and in the pharmaceutical industry have been
particularly groundbreaking.
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7. The governments of Germany, the United Kingdom,
Poland, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore,
Vietnam, the United States, Canada, and South Africa
have launched ambitious programs to support the
industry transformation brought on by the Fourth
Industrial Revolution, opening up huge opportunities
for public–private partnerships.
However, many major countries are slow to invest.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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8. The impact of existing and
emerging digital technology
on global production systems
and global workforces is—
and will continue to be—
extraordinary and immense.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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9. How should companies and countries prepare?
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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Develop strategies
and plans for
investment into
public–private
partnerships
Conduct
country and
company readiness
assessments
Develop
digital supply
chain strategies
for companies
Conduct
scenario
planning
Conduct
value chain
assessments
Enable
digital supply
chain execution

10. Regardless of national production and industrial
strategies, governments, businesses, and civil
society can implement four cross-industry and
cross-technology areas of action:
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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Focus on research and
innovation, and improve
technological readiness
Prioritize public–private
partnerships on business
formation, innovation,
and growth
Create pathways to
production careers, including
education and skills
Democratize
production
knowledge

11. Drawing on deep expertise in manufacturing,
digital, and public-sector consulting, A.T. Kearney
prepares companies and countries to accelerate
value creation and come out on top.
How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
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12. How Companies and Countries Can Prepare for the Future of Production
A.T. Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm with offices in 40 countries.
Since 1926, we have been trusted advisors to the world’s foremost organizations. A.T. Kearney
is a partner-owned firm, committed to helping clients achieve immediate impact and growing
advantage on their most mission-critical issues. For more information, visit www.atkearney.com.
Learn how to prepare for
the future of production.
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