SMC working groups provide inter-organization dialogue, best practice discussions, quarterly issue discussions and updates (each working group meets by phone with the frequency its members desire), and continuous recommendations for issues important to member companies. SMC will provide research and support to answer questions throughout the year. If we cannot find the answers and many organizations have similar questions, we will implement a project with all interested entities to find the answer. Possible examples of the topics SMC members might choose to address in Working Groups include, but are not limited to, the following:
Greening the Manufacturing Workforce
Addressing workforce development issues pertaining to the manufacturing of “green” or “sustainable" products as well as the greening of existing manufacturing jobs in all industry sectors
IT and Sustainable Manufacturing
Work to use IT capabilities to further sustainable manufacturing
Regional Sustainable Manufacturing
Using partnership and network-centric manufacturing (NCM) to close loops
Sustainable Manufacturing Financing and Growth
Work to come up with innovative ways to make improvements affordable
Sustainable Manufacturing in the Global Economy
How to become sustainable and competitive in the Global Economy