Critical Tech and Industrial Innovation Insider (September 2, 2025)

Summary (links to articles below): Global competition for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing capacity is heating up on multiple fronts. The U.S. Interior Department’s draft 2025 list adds copper, potash, silicon, and silver—signaling a broadened definition of what’s “critical” to national security and economic resilience. At the same time, China continues to tighten control over rare earth mining and processing, reinforcing its leverage over Western supply chains.

Meanwhile, Europe’s €800 billion “Readiness 2030” plan is mobilizing unprecedented defense spending, creating both competitive pressures and new procurement opportunities for U.S. firms.

Against this backdrop, manufacturing ecosystems are being reshaped at regional and sectoral levels. Philadelphia Shipyard’s $5 billion revitalization underscores the urgency of rebuilding U.S. shipbuilding capacity, while states like Texas, Georgia, and New Hampshire are expanding aerospace and microelectronics hubs.

Automation and AI are becoming more deeply embedded—from factory floors to Army maintenance depots—showing how human expertise and machine efficiency must coevolve. And with universities and alliances stepping up on workforce and materials innovation, the emerging picture is one of industrial re-tooling at scale.

The through line: geopolitics, supply chains, and technology are converging, and those who align policy, capital, and ecosystems fastest will set the pace in the new industrial era

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This Week's Highlights

Interior Department Releases Draft 2025 List of U.S. Critical Minerals- The draft list adds copper, potash, silicon, and silver—reflecting U.S. priorities to secure critical mineral supply chains.

EU Defense Spending Surge Opens New Opportunities for U.S. Companies - Europe’s ambitious “Readiness 2030” plan mobilizes up to €800 billion in defense investments, potentially unlocking access to EU procurement opportunities for U.S. firms.

China Tightens Control Over Rare-Earth Mining and Processing -New interim rules require licensing, quota compliance, and accurate reporting for both domestic and imported rare earths.

Automation Empowers Factory Efficiency While Humans Ensure Quality - At Georgia’s newest plant, robots handle repetitive tasks while skilled workers focus on craftsmanship, quality checks, and final inspections.

U.S. Discards Critical Minerals That Could Meet Demand - A new study finds that recovering low-percentage byproducts from mining waste—such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earths—could significantly reduce import dependence.

Regional Innovation

MSU, KITECH Renew Partnership to Advance Manufacturing Innovation - A joint Center for Root Technologies will drive collaborations in casting, molding, welding, and workforce development initiatives.

Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance Formed to Sustain Industry Growth - Major aerospace firms unite under an alliance at Mercer University to advocate for R&D tax credits and bolster STEM talent.

Microelectronics Center in New Hampshire to Gain Critical Modernization - Federal support enables new manufacturing tools to boost defense chip output, reduce costs, and improve delivery speed.

Texas Expands Aerospace R&D and Manufacturing with Major Investment - A $57 million upgrade in Richardson will add over 570 high-wage jobs and accelerate aerospace innovation across the region.

Philadelphia Shipyard Receives $5B Boost to Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding - New docks, quays, and block assembly facilities will multiply capacity and support Jones Act tanker and LNG vessel production.

Insights from PSF Sprints and Analyses

PSF Report On Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystems

Public Spend Forum’s latest market brief reveals how more than 300 regional manufacturing hubs are becoming vital engines of U.S. industrial strategy—elevating overlooked metro areas into leadership roles in defense innovation, workforce development, and economic resilience. Learn More>>

Tech Sector Updates

Coast Guard Launches Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program Office - The service’s new RAS PEO accelerates the deployment of unmanned technologies across missions—from border security to disaster response.

U.S. Gains $700 Million Semiconductor R&D Boost from Entegris - Aurora, Illinois, will become a U.S. tech hub, complementing Colorado Springs' manufacturing expansion for advanced materials.

Army to Use AI-Powered Smart Glasses for Vehicle Repairs - AI models trained on extensive repair footage will guide soldiers through diagnostics and maintenance via rugged wearable devices.

NREL Hosts Summit to Accelerate Cement and Concrete Innovation - More than 80 experts convened to explore durable, low-carbon alternatives and scale next-gen materials for more efficient infrastructure.

Army Starts Production of Second Tranche for SRR UAS - Incorporating soldier feedback, the Army begins manufacturing advanced short-range reconnaissance drones to improve awareness and survivability.

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