Manufacturing Revival Radio is a Dreamland Radio production with hosts Todd Schnick and Todd Youngblood. On this show, we feature the companies, the leaders, the innovators leading the charge and driving the innovation. Through the blood, sweat, and tears of working men and women from here at home, to around the world. Learn more at Manufacturing Revival Radio.

As we all know, last week President Obama presented The State of The Union to the country. During his speech he spoke on a variety of topics including one of our favorites, American Manufacturing. Today we welcomed Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) to discuss President Obama's manufacturing initiatives stated during The State of the Union. The ITIF is a non-partisan research and educational institute. Robert explained it in the best terms as simply, a “think tank,” working to influence public policies to help drive innovation and technologies around the country.

During his speech, President Obama spoke about creating 15 "manufacturing innovation institutes." Today Robert explained exactly what these Institutes are and why they can play an important role in keeping U.S. manufacturers competitive in the global market. We spoke on the differences between pre-competitive versus post-competitive R&D. The conversation traveled in many different directions including an interesting debate on whether U.S. manufacturers really need the government to assist them with innovation. If you want to hear all of Robert’s insights about the possible creation of these 15 manufacturing institutes, please take a moment and listen to the interview in its entirety.

Today’s interview covered a lot of current events including a discussion on the White House’s recently announced anti-theft trade strategy. Believe us when we say that you owe yourself a favor! So treat yourself by downloading this fascinating conversation about real-time issues that have the ability to affect everyone.

Click on the play button above to listen to the interview, or download the audio file at Manufacturing Revival Radio.