As part of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Manufacturing Thought Leadership Forum, DVIRC President & CEO Chris Scafario sat down to share our bold vision for the future of U.S. manufacturing. In this featured article, Chris outlines how DVIRC is driving economic growth through technology adoption, workforce development, and strategic partnerships—while advancing our region’s place in America’s next industrial chapter.
From our Manufacturing Moonshot to our role in national defense talent pipelines, this conversation highlights what makes Southeastern Pennsylvania a launch pad for innovation—and why the stakes for domestic manufacturing have never been higher.
1. Tell us a little about DVIRC and how you impact the PHL region.
DVIRC’s mission is to reimagine manufacturing’s role in creating lasting economic prosperity and to strengthen America’s industrial competitiveness across key sectors.
We play a vital role in advancing the region’s $52 billion manufacturing economy and our impact extends well beyond Philadelphia. We’ve grown to support manufacturers nationwide with the technology solutions, resources, tools, and strategic insight needed to power America’s industrial revival.
We believe a strong domestic manufacturing base creates wealth and will secure our nation’s future. By working directly with government, universities, research institutions, and manufacturers, our team has led thousands of engagements in technology integration, growth, innovation, supply chain development, and workforce advancement, delivering over two billion dollars in economic impact to date.
DVIRC’s 2030 Manufacturing Moonshot is our newest and boldest commitment yet. It envisions Southeastern Pennsylvania as a globally recognized launch pad for advanced manufacturing innovation and brings together leaders and changemakers in a shared effort to launch a new industrial age of excellence for America.
All are invited to join us in shaping the future of manufacturing. The stakes are high, and failure isn’t an option!
2. What types of Industries are your current expertise?
At DVIRC, we are manufacturing experts, first and foremost. Our team brings together a wide bench of seasoned professionals, including operational strategists, technologists, supply chain leaders, market growth advisors, and applied researchers. Each member contributes specialized expertise, but it’s our collective strength that drives results. Whether it’s rightsizing best practices for small- to mid-sized firms, introducing advanced technologies, or helping turn around struggling operations, our team is built to meet manufacturers where they are, and take them where they need to go.
We are especially effective at creating on-ramps for manufacturers looking to integrate into the nation’s critical industrial infrastructure. From spinning out innovative technologies to spinning in new capabilities, we support firms in building resilience, expanding capacity, and contributing to national priorities.
While DVIRC’s core mission is to accelerate the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, our strategic focus is increasingly aligned with sixteen critical sectors essential to the country’s security and prosperity. This includes the electric power grid, food and agriculture systems, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and, increasingly important to our region and the Maritime Industrial Base.
Our work supports not only the health of individual firms, but also the strength of the entire supply chain. In an era of rising global competition and complex challenges, DVIRC remains committed to helping manufacturers become vital contributors to America’s economic and national security.
3. Philadelphia as a whole has a great history of manufacturing, what type of future does it have?
Philadelphia has a proud legacy as the “Workshop to the World” and the birthplace of U.S. Navy shipbuilding, setting the standard for American manufacturing for generations. Its industrial roots run deep, forged in shipyards, textile mills, and precision tool shops that helped power the growth of our nation.
Today, that legacy is more relevant than ever. Philadelphia is uniquely positioned to lead the next industrial revolution, Industry 6.0, where manufacturing becomes smarter, faster, more connected, and increasingly human-centered. This new era is defined by the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, real-time data, and advanced automation into every layer of manufacturing operations.
DVIRC is helping the region’s manufacturers harness these technologies to compete and thrive. By equipping firms with the tools to become data-driven, digitally connected, and strategically aligned with national priorities, we’re building a bridge between Philadelphia’s proud industrial past and a high-tech future.
Philadelphia’s strategic location, world-class universities, and manufacturing talent make it a natural hub for critical sectors like defense, biopharma, clean energy, and the maritime industrial base.
The future of Philadelphia manufacturing lies in its ability to blend legacy craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. The city that once built the ships, machines, and tools of America’s rise is now poised to power its next great leap.
4. Talent retention is a goal for all industries but what part is DVIRC playing in the growth of Southeast Pennsylvania’s Talent?
Talent retention is one of the most pressing challenges facing industry today and in manufacturing, its mission critical. We need the future manufacturing workforce to have more than a great first day’s experience on the job, we need them to have an amazing and very rewarding career pathway.
In 2024 alone, DVIRC helped manufacturers in Southeastern PA hire and retain more than 6,400 workers. We’re working to play a central role in growing and retaining Southeast Pennsylvania’s manufacturing talent by aligning workforce development with the real-world needs of employers.
We focus on building a skilled, future-ready workforce by partnering directly with manufacturers to identify talent gaps and deliver training in areas such as advanced manufacturing, leadership, operations excellence, and technology integration. These programs not only upskill workers but also create defined career pathways that improve retention and elevate job quality across the sector.
Importantly, DVIRC is also a key partner in supporting the U.S. Navy’s Talent Pipeline Program. Through our work with the Columbia Class Submarine Program and the broader Maritime Industrial Base, we help prepare and connect regional manufacturers and their workforce to mission-critical defense initiatives. This collaboration ensures a steady flow of highly trained talent into one of the nation’s most vital security-driven sectors, right here in Southeast Pennsylvania.
Additionally, we work closely with schools, technical colleges, and universities to inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals. By reshaping perceptions and introducing students to advanced manufacturing technologies and meaningful career opportunities, we’re building a stronger, more resilient talent pool for the future.
Through these efforts, DVIRC is helping Southeast Pennsylvania as a leading region for talent development, retention, and national impact.
DVIRC is proud to serve as a trusted growth partner for manufacturers in Southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. Whether you’re looking to upskill your team, adopt advanced technologies, or strengthen your position in critical national sectors, our team is here to help.