Former Pentagon official Jaret Riddick says the Mahoning Valley is positioned to play a larger role in the future of advanced manufacturing as industries adapt to changes driven by artificial intelligence, national security priorities and evolving supply chains.

In this 3 Minutes With video, Riddick discusses how Youngstown’s early investment in additive manufacturing helped establish the region as a center for innovation and why he believes “place-based innovation” can drive economic growth and new opportunities for manufacturers.

Riddick is the founder of Washington-based consulting firm RB MECK and will serve as keynote speaker at YBI’s AMUX event May 20 at the Eastwood Event Centre.

Defense, AI Trends Open Doors for Valley Manufacturers