What does Bidenomics mean for manufacturing?

A New Economic Era: “Bidenomics”

President Joe Biden’s economic strategy, colloquially named “Bidenomics,” marks a radical shift in U.S. economic policy. This new economic framework’s emphasis is centered on bolstering the middle class and the working populace, a distinct departure from the “trickle-down” economics advocated by previous administrations.

Bidenomics’ core philosophy is grounded in the belief that prosperity arises from “the middle out and the bottom up – not the top down.” This was a central theme of President Biden’s major economic speech delivered in Chicago. Here, he made the case for a comprehensive paradigm shift in how the nation’s economy should be managed and grown.

In stark contrast to the Reagan-era economic model, Bidenomics counters the very concept of “trickle-down” economics. This long-standing theory posits that financial benefits and incentives directed at the wealthy and large corporations will eventually percolate down to middle-class and working-class Americans, thereby stimulating broader economic growth. 

However, Bidenomics flips this theory on its head, arguing that the wealthy’s benefits have not sufficiently trickled down to uplift the majority of Americans. Instead, Bidenomics proposes that investing directly in the middle and working classes will lead to a more robust and equitable economy.

This approach is based on the conviction that when middle-class families prosper, they drive consumer demand, create more jobs, and stimulate economic expansion. President Biden maintains that the prosperity of the wealthy, while significant, should not be the sole or primary engine of growth in a broad-based, democratic economy.

Bidenomics essentially represents a fundamental break from decades-old economic theories that, according to Biden, “failed America’s middle class.” By focusing squarely on this segment of the population, the Biden administration seeks to reorient the nation’s economic compass and pave the way for a more inclusive, resilient economy.

The Pillars of Bidenomics

The White House outlined three key principles driving Bidenomics: Making public investments in America, empowering and educating American workers, and promoting competition.

Public Investments in America

The focus of Bidenomics is on infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductors. The aim is to attract private investment, and thus far, these efforts have garnered nearly $500 billion in private-sector commitments since Biden took office in 2021. An impressive achievement is the doubling of construction spending on manufacturing facilities, enabled by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS Act. This growth is currently not paralleled in other advanced economies. 

Empowering and Educating American Workers

Under Bidenomics, emphasis is placed on preparing workers for the jobs of the future. It supports unions, creates apprenticeships, and promotes job training in advanced manufacturing. This commitment is exemplified by the $500 million investment in the Good Jobs Challenge, part of the American Rescue Plan. “The job training in advanced manufacturing and the Good Jobs Challenge are a positive step in the right direction,” said Michael DiLeo, president of MSI, a leading training organization that focuses on skills for manufacturing.

Promoting Competition

A competitive market is vital in Bidenomics. To ensure small businesses have a level playing field, the president signed an executive order in 2021 to ban or limit non-compete clauses. This promotes employee mobility and encourages market dynamism, essential elements for a thriving manufacturing sector.

The Impact of Bidenomics on Manufacturing

American manufacturing stands to gain much from Bidenomics. Investments in infrastructure will directly and indirectly boost the sector. Improved and expanded infrastructure means manufacturers can more efficiently transport goods, gain better access to resources, and reach customers more effectively. 

Further, the focus on clean energy and semiconductors directly ties into manufacturing. In the pursuit of cleaner energy solutions, manufacturers can expect increased demand for wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle components. Additionally, the semiconductor focus is a response to global shortages, promising a revitalized domestic industry. 

The Biden administration’s investment in training is also crucial for manufacturing. With technology rapidly advancing, the industry requires workers equipped with up-to-date skills. MSI’s president, Michael DiLeo, commented on this, stating, “Hopefully the investments that the Biden administration are making in manufacturing and education will lead to long-term growth.”

The Influence of Digital Connectivity

In the era of digitalization, another pivotal aspect of Bidenomics worth mentioning is the federal funding aimed at expanding high-speed internet service across the nation. More than $42 billion has been allocated for this purpose under the 2021 Infrastructure Law. This initiative, likened to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Act, aims to bring digital connectivity to more Americans, subsequently closing the digital divide. For the manufacturing industry, this expansion signifies more than just widespread internet access. It enables smoother adoption of Industry 4.0 practices, which rely heavily on internet-based technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning. It will also foster greater innovation in manufacturing processes, promote supply chain efficiency, and ultimately enable manufacturers to tap into new markets and reach more customers. 

A Tri-Polar Monetary Shift and Bidenomics

A 2023 study provides valuable insight into the global economic landscape following the pandemic. It analyzes the ambitious “Build Back Better” agenda proposed by the Biden administration, its impact on American democracy, and the possibility of a tri-polar international monetary system emerging, involving the US, China, and Europe. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the shifting dynamics in global economics, placing the Bidenomics in the larger context of worldwide monetary changes and the shared commitment towards a carbon-neutral economy.

In conclusion, Bidenomics signifies a considerable departure from past U.S. economic doctrines, positing a unique proposition centered around the prosperity of the middle and working classes. The strategy places significant emphasis on public investments, worker empowerment, and competitive markets, promising beneficial impacts on American manufacturing, infrastructure, and digital connectivity. Furthermore, with an inclusive outlook on global economic changes and a commitment to environmental sustainability, the approach has potential to navigate not only the immediate recovery from the pandemic but also lay a foundation for a more resilient and inclusive future economy. Thus, as Bidenomics unfolds, its success could redefine American economic policy, driving equitable growth and prosperity for the 21st century.