In his new book Make It in America, Dow Chemical Company CEO Andrew Liveris presents a powerful argument for the role of manufacturing in the long-term success of the U.S. economy.

Hardcover, 240pp

Wiley, John & Sons, Inc., December 2010

ISBN-13: ISBN-13: 9780470930229

Barnes & Noble online price: $17.96

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SYNOPSIS

We used to make things in this country. We were the dazzling innovators, the undisputed world economic leaders, and with our manufacturing engine driving the process, we built a solid, high-achieving middle class and a thriving economy. Now, thanks to policies that are either indifferent to manufacturing or, in fact, downright hostile, we’re at the brink of losing it all. If you think this won’t affect you, guess again.

In Make It in America: The Case for Re-Inventing the Economy, author Andrew Liveris presents a powerful case for how critically important domestic manufacturing is to the long-term health of the entire U.S. economy, and he issues a candid wake-up call to America to re-invent its manufacturing base before it’s too late.

If anyone has street cred on this subject, it’s Andrew Liveris. Currently Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and one of the most global corporations, he’s been on the global manufacturing stage for more than 30 years. In this thought-provoking book, Liveris challenges conventional wisdom and, using vivid examples from around the globe, makes clear the following:

• Manufacturing matters — more than ever before. Not all sectors are created equal. Manufacturing can create jobs and wealth and growth to a degree that the service sector can’t match. The rest of the world now sees what America used to understand: the key to economic growth is taking something of lesser value and transforming it into something of greater value. That’s what manufacturing does.
• The Rust Belt, it turns out, isn’t so rusty. 21-century manufacturing means solar cells for your home, batteries for your hybrid car, the touch screen on your smart phone and the e-ink in your Kindle. Manufacturing is the key driver of R&D and the leading edge of innovation.
• Government’s got to get engaged. Liveris argues it’s a false choice to claim that you must be either pro-business or pro-government. Globalization has changed the equation. Governments all over the world are working in partnership with — and taking action on behalf of — their leading industries. Why isn’t America?

Liveris sees where America is losing ground — from innovation to job creation — and explains how we can take back our future. Make It in America is a must-read for anyone who believes that America’s greatest, most productive, most prosperous days are not behind us. Our best days lie ahead of us if we take proactive measures now. They’re still within reach.