Powering Futures — Utah’s Manufacturing Leaders Shape Next-Gen Workforce and Innovation – TechBuzz News

Report on the “Powering Futures” Summit and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

On October 30, 2025, KolobX hosted the “Powering Futures — Advanced Manufacturing & Next-Gen Leadership” summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event convened approximately 300 stakeholders from industry, education, and government to address workforce development and technological innovation within Utah’s advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors. The discussions and initiatives presented directly align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Utah’s Manufacturing Sector

Fostering Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) & Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

The summit highlighted the technological transformation of Utah’s manufacturing landscape, a key driver for sustainable economic growth and industrial innovation.

• Technological Modernization: Kori Ann Edwards, Chief Strategy Officer of 47G, noted that AI, robotics, and automation have created new, higher-skilled roles focused on machine management, data analysis, and problem-solving. This evolution supports SDG 9 by promoting resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation, while simultaneously advancing SDG 8 by creating higher-wage, more engaging employment.
• Ecosystem Scale and Impact: Johnny Ferry, President and CEO of the Utah Manufacturers Association, emphasized that the manufacturing ecosystem extends beyond primary manufacturers to over 85,000 businesses in the supply chain, R&D, and distribution sectors. This broad economic base is fundamental to achieving sustained and inclusive economic growth (SDG 8).
• Innovation in Practice: A case study was presented involving a partnership that brought new single-serve packet technology to a local company. This initiative not only secured business for the state but also created a positive ripple effect for employees and consumers, exemplifying the goals of SDG 9.

Ensuring Quality Education and Lifelong Learning (SDG 4)

A central theme was the critical need to connect students with industry to build a skilled workforce, directly addressing SDG 4’s target for relevant technical and vocational skills for employment.

1. Statewide Educational Programs: Initiatives such as Talent Ready Utah, Aerospace Pathways internships, and K–12 computer science programs were cited as essential frameworks for bridging the gap between education and industry needs.
2. Industry Exposure Events: The upcoming 47G Zero Gravity Summit was highlighted as a key event providing 1,400 high school and college students with direct exposure to the high-tech, creative, and impactful nature of modern manufacturing at no cost to university attendees.
3. Hands-On Collaboration: Caroline Chapdelaine, CEO of Northstar Photonics, underscored the role of local universities in providing specialized labs and hands-on learning opportunities that are crucial for developing the next generation of innovators.

Promoting Reduced Inequalities and Inclusive Growth (SDG 10)

The summit emphasized the importance of inclusivity in workforce development, aligning with SDG 10’s objective to reduce inequality within and among countries.

• Inclusive Hiring Initiatives: Johnny Ferry described a program designed to connect students on the autism spectrum with manufacturing roles that are well-suited to their skills, such as repetitive and structured tasks.
• Supporting Diverse Talent: State-backed grants are available to support manufacturers who participate in such inclusive programs, creating meaningful career pathways and ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all members of the community.

Strengthening Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Collaboration among diverse stakeholders was identified as the cornerstone of Utah’s success and the key to overcoming future challenges, reflecting the spirit of SDG 17.

• Public-Private Collaboration: The success of programs like the Modern Manufacturing Nation grants and Talent Ready Utah demonstrates a strong partnership between state government, educational institutions, and private industry.
• Addressing Collaboration Gaps: A significant challenge identified was the difficulty small businesses face in connecting with large corporations. KolobX has committed to developing frameworks to bridge this gap, strengthening the supply chain and fostering a more integrated ecosystem.
• A Call for Engagement: Leaders urged businesses to actively participate in advisory boards and industry associations to ensure educational and state programs remain aligned with industry needs, reinforcing the multi-stakeholder approach of SDG 17.

Key Initiatives and Forward Outlook

Strategic Role of KolobX

KolobX, a Global Strategic Intelligence & Integration Firm, is actively working to implement actionable solutions that advance integrated operations. By forming working groups and piloting strategic partnerships, the organization aims to translate discussion into real-world outcomes, particularly in bridging the gap between small and large enterprises to enhance the manufacturing ecosystem’s resilience and innovative capacity.

Upcoming Event: 2025 Zero Gravity Summit

Hosted by 47G, the Zero Gravity Summit on November 4-5, 2025, will convene leaders from defense, aerospace, and government to discuss emerging technologies. This event serves as a critical platform for fostering the partnerships (SDG 17) and innovation (SDG 9) necessary to advance the region’s economic and technological leadership.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article emphasizes creating educational pathways and providing students with relevant skills for the modern manufacturing industry. It discusses initiatives that connect the education system with industry needs, such as internships and hands-on experience, which are central to quality education for employment.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The core theme of the article is workforce development, job creation, and the economic impact of Utah’s manufacturing sector. It highlights how technology adoption elevates wages, creates new roles, and contributes to the state’s GDP, directly aligning with the goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article focuses on building a resilient and innovative manufacturing ecosystem. It details the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and robotics, the importance of R&D, and the need to support small businesses and integrate them into the larger supply chain, all of which are key components of SDG 9.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article touches upon inclusivity by mentioning a specific program designed to create workforce pathways for students on the autism spectrum. This initiative aims to provide meaningful employment opportunities for a specific group, thereby addressing the goal of reducing inequalities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  A recurring theme is the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders. The article describes partnerships between small businesses, large corporations, educational institutions (universities and tech colleges), and state government to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem, which is the essence of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
    
    Explanation: The article describes programs like “Talent Ready Utah,” “Pathways programs for internships,” and “K–12 computer science initiatives” that are designed to equip students with the specific skills needed by the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
    
    Explanation: The article highlights how “AI, robotics, and automation have created entirely new roles” and how a grant helped a company adopt technology to produce “250–300 packets per minute.” This demonstrates a focus on technological upgrading to boost productivity and economic growth.
  • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
    
    Explanation: Initiatives like the “Zero Gravity Summit,” which invites 1,000 high school and college students to gain exposure to the industry, directly aim to connect youth with education and employment opportunities, reducing the number of young people disengaged from the workforce.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product.
    
    Explanation: The article quantifies the scale of Utah’s manufacturing sector, noting “over 5,000 registered primary manufacturing businesses” and a broader ecosystem of “more than 85,000 registered businesses” that significantly impact Utah’s GDP.
  • Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises… to financial services… and their integration into value chains and markets.
    
    Explanation: The article explicitly discusses the challenge of “bridging the gap between small businesses and companies like Boeing or Northrop” and mentions state programs like “Modern Manufacturing Nation grants” that provide financial support to businesses.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of… disability… or other status.
    
    Explanation: The article mentions a “program for students on the autism spectrum interested in manufacturing,” which provides “meaningful pathways into the workforce” for this group, promoting their economic inclusion.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
    
    Explanation: The entire event and the initiatives discussed, such as “Talent Ready Utah,” which “bridges industry with the Utah System of Higher Education,” exemplify multi-stakeholder partnerships between government, private companies, and educational bodies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For SDG 4 (Target 4.4)

  • Indicator: The number of students engaged in industry-focused educational programs.
    
    Evidence: The article states that the “Zero Gravity Summit” is “inviting 1,000 students — 700 college students and 700 high school students — to participate.”

• For SDG 8 (Target 8.2)

  • Indicator: Rate of production increase due to technology adoption.
    
    Evidence: A specific example is given where new machines “now produce 250–300 packets per minute,” quantifying the productivity gain.
  • Indicator: Creation of new job roles and wage elevation.
    
    Evidence: The article states that technology “attracts a new kind of talent, elevates wages, and makes manufacturing much more engaging.”

• For SDG 9 (Target 9.2)

  • Indicator: Number of businesses in the manufacturing sector.
    
    Evidence: The article provides specific figures: “over 5,000 registered primary manufacturing businesses” and “more than 85,000 registered businesses” in the broader ecosystem.
  • Indicator: Contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP.
    
    Evidence: It is mentioned that the broader ecosystem is “where Utah’s GDP and economic impact really come from.”

• For SDG 10 (Target 10.2)

  • Indicator: Number of inclusive workforce development programs and participants.
    
    Evidence: The article implies this by mentioning the existence of a “program for students on the autism spectrum” and available “grants to support manufacturers who want to participate.”

• For SDG 17 (Target 17.17)

  • Indicator: Number and type of cross-sectoral partnerships.
    
    Evidence: The article describes multiple partnerships, including collaborations between industry and universities (“Talent Ready Utah”), state government and businesses (“Modern Manufacturing Nation grants”), and industry associations (“47G”).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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