Global manufacturing outlook: navigating change
15 Feb 2026
Global industrial leadership
Global manufacturing faces its most dramatic transformation since the Industrial Revolution, driven by quantum-AI technologies, industry 5.0's human-centric approach, and supply chain restructuring amid escalating trade tensions.
With shifting FDI patterns, ESG compliance mandates, and 1.9 million unfilled jobs threatening industry growth, manufacturers must navigate complex strategic decisions that will define competitive positioning for the next decade.
- How can manufacturers balance the competing demands of nearshoring cost pressures, ESG compliance requirements, and technological transformation investments?
- What role will quantum-AI hybrid systems play in revolutionising supply chain optimisation and predictive maintenance across global manufacturing networks?
- How should companies structure public-private partnerships to leverage government infrastructure investments while maintaining competitive advantages in emerging markets?
- What strategies will prove most effective for addressing the critical manufacturing skills gap while transitioning to Industry 5.0 human-centric production models?
- How can global manufacturers navigate the escalating trade war environment while building resilient, diversified supply chains that support both profitability and sustainability goals?
This session examines how manufacturers can navigate the intersection of technological breakthroughs, geopolitical realignments, and transformative investment patterns while building resilient, sustainable operations that capitalise on emerging opportunities.