Resources
Associations
The following are associations and organizations that may be useful for exploring workforce development in defense manufacturing.
Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
C2ER is a professional association focused on community, economic, and workforce research. It offers data tools, including the quarterly Cost of Living Index (COLI), technical assistance, and training for analysts and practitioners. C2ER also organizes conferences and events for members to share best practices and insights.
Labor Market Information (LMI) Institute
The Labor Market Information Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the development, analysis, and use of labor market information across the United States. It supports state and local workforce, education, and economic development professionals through research, training, technical assistance, and data tools. LMI also manages and supports national initiatives such as Projections Central and the Projections Managing Partnership, helping ensure consistency, accuracy, and accessibility of labor market data for decision-makers.
Projections Managing Partnership (PMP)
The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) is a national consortium of state and territorial labor market information offices that supports the production of high-quality industry and occupational employment projections across the U.S. It provides shared methodology, software, technical assistance, and training for analysts developing state and local projections. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and working with partners such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PMP ensures consistent and reliable employment outlook data. ProjectionsCentral.org serves as the public portal for accessing these projections.
University Economics Development Association (UEDA)
UEDA is a membership organization that connects higher education institutions, economic development professionals, and ecosystem builders. Its goal is to share best practices, research, events, and networking to support regional economic development and innovation strategies. Members include universities, colleges, and related partners focused on talent, entrepreneurship, and community growth. UEDA
State Economic Development Network (SEDE)
UEDA is a membership organization that connects higher education institutions, economic development professionals, and ecosystem builders. Its goal is to share best practices, research, events, and networking to support regional economic development and innovation strategies. Members include universities, colleges, and related partners focused on talent, entrepreneurship, and community growth. UEDA
National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
NDIA is a U.S. 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit and trade association that brings together government, industry, and academic leaders to advance national security and strengthen the defense industrial base. It champions policies, practices, technologies, and collaboration that support warfighters and national defense. NDIA hosts events, forums, and professional development activities, and serves as a platform for networking, education, and strategic dialogue on defense and national security issues.
Manufacturing USA
Manufacturing USA is a national network of public-private advanced manufacturing institutes that connects industry, academia, and government to accelerate innovation, develop and transition new technologies into scalable domestic manufacturing, and build a skilled manufacturing workforce. The network works to strengthen U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by supporting collaboration, testing new technologies, reducing risk, and training the workforce of the future.