GENEVA — The World Economic Forum launched the New Generation Industry Leaders (NGIL) program, a global community of fast-rising young industrialists to accelerate environmental and social progress in manufacturing and production sectors, transforming perceptions and inspiring a new generation to take up a career in industry.

Over 50 world-leading companies in the production ecosystem, including Apple, DHL, Johnson & Johnson, Rockwell Automation, Siemens and Stanley Black & Decker, are supporting the NGIL program. Beyond proposing their young leaders to join the community, these companies are making their training materials available to the community and executives are acting as mentors for the community members.

Emerging technologies are transforming industries as diverse as automotive, chemicals, electronics, healthcare and textiles. But industrial production is facing a skills shortage in all areas from R&D and design to consumer behavior and end-of-use cycles.

Research from global consulting firm Korn Ferry found that by 2030, there would be a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people, which could result in $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues. The New Generation Industry Leaders community will play an active role to address these challenges.

Members of the New Generation Industry Leaders program are nominated by senior executives from their respective companies and organizations. The first cohort of leaders numbers over 100, of whom half are women.

They represent more than 20 countries and 12 industrial sectors, including energy, automotive, mining and metals. Each cohort of new leaders will embark on an 18-month journey embracing the following principles and activities:

Get inspired: learning modules in strategy, leadership and operations, delivered by thought leaders, CEOs and senior executives from the production ecosystem.

Connect: peer networking sessions to learn from each other's unique workplaces and career experiences and to share ideas, challenges and solutions.

Transform: smaller cross-industry teams to help accelerate responsible industry transformation and co-create new ideas to get the world excited about new opportunities and innovations in manufacturing and production.

Members agree to collaborate to drive positive change within each impact area in their own organizations, with the goal of leveraging their shared efforts to engage with and attract younger generations.

The online home of the New Generation Industry Leaders program could be found here. Launched out of the World Economic Forum’s platform on Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Value Chains, the program is run in collaboration with the platform on Shaping the Future of Energy, Materials and Infrastructure and the other Forum platforms.

Jeremy Jurgens, managing director at the World Economic Forum, said: “The transformation in manufacturing and production being driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution can only succeed with the leadership and collaboration of young professionals. We are thrilled to announce the launch of this inaugural group of exceptional leaders who will challenge their peers to embrace the incredible opportunities promised by a career in industry.”

Sustainable Development Impact Summit Sept. 20-23

The meeting brings together global leaders from business, government, and civil society. Under the theme Shaping an Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Recovery, it focused on new technologies, policies and partnerships to advance cooperation, accelerate progress, and highlight tangible solutions to our global challenges. — SG