The Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub has worked over the past year to help area businesses in the defense industry supply chain adapt to changing business environments, according to a release from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
The hub is a chamber initiative brought to fruition with assistance from the Illinois Defense Industry Adjustment Program, according to a press release. Since December 2016, the hub has hosted 55 events for industry stakeholders and has drawn in more than 1,500 participants. It helped 32 companies access training on diversification and connected seven contractors to one-on-one assistance on new cybersecurity requirements. A further 15 suppliers were able to meet with federal prime contractors to build relationships, and the initiative helped a wider range of suppliers find potential buyers with the development an online directory, the Regional Capabilities Catalog.
The Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub is planning to unveil guides and playbooks that will help businesses stay up to date on emerging technologies. The initiative also plans to roll out a supply chain mapping software that will help its efforts to promote economic development, the release said. The software will help suppliers identify gaps in the market they might be able to fill and also help businesses understand shifting market forces.
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