The promise and potential of rural America

In this episode of the McKinsey Podcast, hosts Lucia Rahilly and Roberta Fasaro interview McKinsey senior partner Nora Gardner and McKinsey partner Sarah Tucker-Ray about the economic potential of investing in advanced manufacturing facilities in rural America. Gardner discusses the characteristics, diversity, and key industries driving rural economies, highlighting six community archetypes and the opportunities arising from investments in advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors, clean tech, and biotechnology. Tucker-Ray focuses on how rural K-12 programs can prepare students for advanced manufacturing careers, emphasizing the potential for wage increases and the importance of partnerships between schools and industry to create a skilled workforce and revitalize rural communities. The conversation explores strategies for businesses, communities, and educational organizations to unlock rural America's potential and ensure its future success.