Advanced Manufacturing, the key to future competitiveness

Advanced manufacturing includes the production of advanced materials and advanced technologies. Manufacturing industries continue to transform with every progression of the technological era. As advancement in technology shapes manufacturing, the role of manufacturing to economic development and competitiveness continues to change. The purpose of the study is to determine whether advanced manufacturing systems lies within the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess the effect of advanced manufacturing systems on competitiveness in order to determine the impact on productivity, manufacturing employment and manufacturing contribution to economic competition. The research results revealed a proportionally high increase in productivity and production output that directly correlates with the application of advanced manufacturing systems. However, employment in manufacturing and creation of new jobs correlate negatively with the advancement in technology. Therefore, the question of economic competitiveness still remains contentious.