New Hampshire Advanced Manufacturing Strategy and Analysis

The Challenge

The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs recognized that there were untapped market opportunities to explore in the state’s Advanced Manufacturing cluster. With a legacy of manufacturing woven into the fabric of New Hampshire’s business mix, the state’s manufacturing profile spans global companies to local serving, home-grown shops.

While there is a strong foundation and competitive labor market characteristics, the state is facing a host of challenges that could stifle economic growth and innovative potential. Namely, workforce availability continues to be the most significant issue advanced manufacturing businesses face. Statewide coordination and collaboration on workforce training and education at all levels, although present, remains a challenge to reach the needed impact.

The Solution

Camoin Associates conducted a comprehensive data analysis and led interviews with stakeholders from across the state to assess market conditions and establish strategy priorities. This information revealed the best opportunities based on market conditions while identifying the barriers or gaps preventing the cluster from reaching its highest potential.

Labor market data revealed that the state’s advanced manufacturing cluster is highly specialized compared to other regions of the U.S. and the surrounding New England area., especially in subsectors like computer, communication, electronic manufacturing and electrical equipment manufacturing. Our research determined how ongoing federal funding will shape the industry’s future and how preparing for these investments will yield exponential opportunities for the state.

The Impact

Camoin developed a strategic plan based on market research with the input and vetting of key stakeholders from across the state. A coordinated statewide approach to community college and career technical education programs to grow talent within the industry emerged as a top priority. With this strategic insight, BEA and its partners are well-positioned to harness market opportunities, and foster growth and innovation in New Hampshire’s thriving advanced manufacturing cluster.

The BEA is planning to reconvene stakeholders and prioritize the strategy’s key points moving forward, ensuring that collaborations and cross-state partnerships grow to tackle some of the largest challenges facing the state.

Services Provided:

• Labor market analysis by industry group
• Innovation profile
• Emerging industry technologies and trends
• Workforce program inventory
• Action plan matrix
• Business and stakeholders’ engagement (digital and in-person)
• Leadership facilitation and presentations