Putting Talent at the Centre An Evolving Imperative for Manufacturing 2025

Conclusion and next steps The Frontline Talent of the Future Initiative has reinforced that the future of production is all about people – believing in them, investing in them and supporting their path forward into a redefined world of work. It’s true that the production system is undergoing a radical transformation, fuelled, in many ways, by accelerating advances in digital technology. Yet despite these changes – and perhaps even because of them – this moment calls for a renewed focus on the frontline workers who comprise the beating heart of industry. This renewal is predicated on a fundamental mindset shift from viewing talent as a cost to understanding talent as a vital investment. Companies that commit to this transformative mindset shift open the door to the kind of talent innovations it will take to attract, engage and retain the frontline workers of today and tomorrow.While the Frontline Talent of the Future Initiative’s pilot programme has revealed important lessons, it is still in its early days, and there is a great deal of work to do. The search is under way for organizations that have developed a truly excellent process for governing frontline talent investment. There remains a great deal of potential to bring more structure to operationalizing talent investment – manifesting in the kind of robust, rigorous processes that so many companies have in place for capital investment. Is your company a frontline talent innovation leader? The Global Lighthouse Network will serve as the initiative’s framework for continuing to explore frontline talent. If you believe you have achieved world-class performance with distinction in talent transformation, consider applying for the cycle that opens in May 2025. More information is available via the Global Lighthouse Network. 27 Putting Talent at the Centre: An Evolving Imperative for Manufacturing