Book Launch: Behind the Curve: Can Manufacturing Still Provide Inclusive Growth?

The Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) hosts the launch of Robert Z. Lawrence’s new book, Behind the Curve: Can Manufacturing Still Provide Inclusive Growth?, which traces the factors causing a decline in manufacturing jobs in the United States and other countries. The author argues that deeply rooted forces—technological change, shifting consumer spending patterns, and trade—account for lagging manufacturing employment. “Industrial policies” to revive manufacturing employment are unlikely to reverse the trend and may even make economic growth less inclusive. New policies are needed to help people, places, and countries cope with inevitable changes in the composition of employment. 

Robert Z. Lawrence (PIIE) presents his new book, followed by remarks by Jed Kolko (former US Department of Commerce) and Leila Aridi Afas (Toyota Motor North America). Following the discussion, an audience Q&A is moderated by Cecilia Malmström (PIIE).