Interview, Conference Presentation
Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA
- Manufacturing is pivoting from globalized models to local and regional supply chains to address vulnerabilities, establishing an "and operation" where companies maintain current regional presence while simultaneously expanding supply capabilities to other regions.
- Future supply chain goals may shift from economies of mass production to mass customization to meet customer demand for unique products, with current stockpiling activities observed as a response to uncertainty.
- Digital transformation is expected to accelerate as business clients prepare to utilize more digital tools, with the primary hurdle identified as initiating the process rather than executing major transformations.
- A "strategic digital twin reserve" is proposed to enable flexible manufacturing and preparedness for unpredictable future scenarios, supporting a corporate strategy to be "anti-fragile" and gain from disruption.
- Workforce preparation will focus on cultivating curiosity and initiative to meet unknown technology skill requirements in 10 to 15 years, alongside plans to integrate STEM education and apprenticeships into K-12 and higher education systems.
- Corporate security strategies involve actively inviting experts in risk, cyber, and physical security to challenge organizational complacency and maintain readiness.
- Siemens supports the CHIPS Act and diverse supply sources, while navigating commercial relationships with China by recognizing its market potential and ensuring security and compliance for all nations.
- Government infrastructure frameworks, including vehicle charging standards, are anticipated to be set federally, with the primary action on solving inequities expected at state and local levels.
- The organization aims to increase the representation of women in top management, having already surpassed this specific goal in Siemens USA.
- Organizational recruitment and representation goals rely on situational awareness to ensure the workforce pipeline reflects the diverse populations of the world.