Conexus Indiana, a non-profit dedicated to advancing Indiana’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML), has unveiled its six-year strategic plan, Conexus 2031: Empowering Bold Industry Transformation, to address key challenges and capitalize on opportunities within Indiana’s AML sectors, which are vital to the state’s economic health.
Employing more than 840,000 workers and contributing $151 billion to the state’s GDP, these industries account for 25% of all Indiana jobs and 37% of economic output—well above national averages. This outsized impact underscores the importance of maintaining Indiana’s competitive edge through strategic investment in modernization, advanced technology and workforce development.
The creation of Conexus 2031 was shaped by robust industry research, including a recent report from TEConomy Partners and Conexus Indiana, Assessing Indiana’s Progress in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which examines the complex dimensions of productivity, digitization and Industry 4.0 technology adoption and talent deployment within Indiana’s AML industries in comparison to national trends.
The results emphasize the need for continued tech adoption and development and deployment of Industry 4.0-enabling talent to maintain the state’s leadership in AML. While programs like the Manufacturing Readiness Grants have spurred significant progress in recent years, lagging adoption of advanced technologies across AML subsectors—as well as gaps in digital manufacturing skills—underscores the urgency for firms to accelerate efforts.
“To maintain competitiveness and drive future growth, Indiana AML must address its workforce and technology challenges head-on,” said Conexus Indiana Chief Operations and Strategy Officer, Bryce Carpenter. “We are doubling down on our commitment to deliver the support, resources and programs for AML businesses to thrive in an Industry 4.0 environment.”
Based on these research findings and other insights from industry leaders, Conexus crafted its strategic plan focusing energies and resources in four areas.
  • Develop connections, networks and ecosystems. There must be unprecedented collaboration within the industry that includes decision-makers in education and the public sector. Conexus intends to facilitate these connections by expanding and building on its 140-partner Conexus Indiana Advanced Industries Council; deepening its partnerships with state and federal agencies; forging new relationships within the technology ecosystem; and presenting programming that supports networking, education and engagement.
  • Maximize talent. Considering the critical and growing need for skilled workers, the industry must seek new ways to increase training and opportunities for current workers and to attract and train new employees. Conexus is focused on maximizing the talent pipeline with programs and partnerships across academia that train workers in new technologies. An example highlighted in the strategic plan is Conexus’ growing partnership with Ivy Tech Community College to develop smart manufacturing skills training courses for employers. Additionally, Conexus is focused on reaching all levels of schools to introduce students to opportunities in the AML sector and celebrate and engage young people who are succeeding in the industry through programs like Student Industries and Make IN Move.
  • Drive innovation. Indiana’s makers and movers must accelerate digital adoption to boost innovation. An integral component of Conexus’ push in this area will be the development of the Center for Manufacturing Innovation, which will provide education and training resources in smart manufacturing and serve innovators across sectors. In addition, Conexus plans to create an innovation accelerator for engineering talent, further facilitate technology adoption, seek out additional funding for firms looking to update their operations and more.
  • Deliver thought leadership. Firms in AML need sufficient data, information and insights to make decisions about technology adoption, workforce development and more. Conexus intends to provide the kind of resources and thought leadership needed to compete and grow in the Industry 4.0 environment. This includes projects like the deployment of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Business Opportunities in Clean Energy Supply Chains guidebook for small automotive suppliers, alongside Purdue MEP. Conexus also will support research into trends and best practices—comparing findings and highlighting sector successes at the state, national and global level— and generate awareness to attract interest and investment.
With nearly two decades of expertise in AML and deep relationships across industry, education, philanthropy and the public sector, Conexus is well-positioned to be the catalyst for this work.
“Our strategic plan lays out actionable steps to strengthen talent pipelines, accelerate digital transformation and foster collaboration,” said Carpenter. “With the expertise and resources necessary to activate this plan, we are ready to help AML businesses seize new opportunities to innovate and drive progress.”
While Conexus is spearheading the objectives outlined in its strategic report, the organization—and the AML sector—can maximize its impact with collaboration and unity.
“The challenges that these industries face—particularly around workforce availability—cannot be solved by one organization alone,” said Conexus Indiana Board Chair Scott Brand, President and COO, Subaru of Indiana Automotive.  “It is only through collective action, with Conexus well positioned to lead the way, that we can create a meaningful impact.”
“The unique perspectives of businesses across Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries —large and small—are essential to this dialogue,” added Brand.
To view the Conexus Indiana strategic plan, Conexus 2031: Empowering Bold Industry Transformation, click here.
To support the work outlined in this strategic plan, in late 2024, Conexus promoted Bryce Carpenter to chief operations and strategy officer and Molly Zentz to vice president of communications. The organization also welcomed PJ McGrew as senior vice president of talent strategy and programming. Conexus’ CEO Fred Cartwright retired effective December 31, and a new CEO search is underway with Medallion Partners led by the chair of the Conexus board.

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About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.