The Business of Manufacturing Podcast

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Notice: Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the People’s Republic of China

This Federal Register notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection announces the implementation of additional duties on products imported from the People's Republic of China, pursuant to a presidential executive order addressing synthetic opioid supply chains. The order introduces a 10% ad valorem tariff on most Chinese goods, modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Certain exceptions apply, including goods already in transit before February 1, 2025, and specific categories like donations intended for humanitarian relief. The notice also stipulates that the "de minimis" exemption will not apply to these goods and formal entry will be required for all mail shipments from China. The second notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services concerns the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela, initially designated on October 3, 2023 and set to expire April 2, 2025.

INVENTOR: Invention, Design Thinking, and Innovation Archive

"INVENTOR: An Archive of Invention, Design Thinking, and Innovation" is presented as a guide to understanding and fostering the inventive process. The book showcases a collection of original inventions and explores the mindset and strategies used by successful inventors. It aims to provide readers with practical methods for problem-solving, product development, and turning ideas into tangible realities. The book is designed for entrepreneurs, designers, and anyone with an interest in innovation. Ultimately, it promotes the value of documenting and exploring ideas as a path to breakthroughs.

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India-US Defence Partnership: New Framework for 21st Century

The article from The Indian Express discusses a new 10-year partnership framework between the US and India to significantly boost defense ties. This initiative, called US-India COMPACT, aims to foster military partnership and technology advancements. The agreement includes increasing US military sales to India, paving the way for potential F-35 stealth fighter sales, and pursuing co-production of Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles. Both countries seek to streamline defense trade regulations and explore reciprocal procurement agreements. This collaboration reflects a strategic alignment to counter China's influence and strengthen India's defense capabilities.

Odesa Archaeological Museum's 3D Digitization Project

The Odesa Archaeological Museum is undertaking a project to digitize its artifacts and building using 3D modeling. This initiative, supported by the NGO Archaica and international training, aims to create virtual exhibitions and preserve cultural heritage amidst the ongoing war. The project focuses on a diverse range of artifacts, including Egyptian, Cypriot, and Crimean exhibits, as well as items from the Usativ culture. This digitization allows scientists to continue research and provide access to cultural heritage even when physical access is limited or impossible. The museum is using photogrammetry and other advanced techniques to achieve high-quality, accurate 3D models. The ultimate goal is to protect and share Ukraine's cultural heritage with a wider audience, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Canadian Small Businesses & Tariffs

Canadian small businesses face challenges due to potential U.S. tariffs, despite a temporary reprieve. Companies are actively diversifying their supply chains and exploring new markets to mitigate the impact of increased costs. This includes seeking alternative suppliers both domestically and internationally, and some are even preparing to raise prices for consumers. The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs is forcing businesses to re-evaluate their strategies and prioritize resilience. The current situation underscores the vulnerability of small businesses operating in a complex and volatile international trade environment. Ultimately, business owners are adapting by focusing on what they can control and developing contingency plans.

Beyond Injection Molding: Nanoscribe's IP-n162 Resin Opens New Possibilities in Microfabrication

Nanoscribe has released a new photoresin, IP-n162, which is designed to take the fabrication of micro-optical elements to the next level. This new material has a high refractive index of 1.62 at a wavelength of 589 nm, the highest in Nanoscribe’s resin portfolio, which allows for a high level of shape accuracy. The resin also has a low absorption rate when exposed to infrared (IR) light, making it suitable for creating IR micro-optics, and it possesses dispersive qualities that are similar to optical polymers used in injection molding, such as polycarbonate or polyesters. The new material allows for the creation of freeform shapes at a microscale, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional fabrication methods. When combined with materials with a lower refractive index, the resin can be used to create achromatic optical systems, which can transmit light without separating it into constituent colors, potentially improving the quality of displays in devices like cameras and projectors. Nanoscribe is also working with industry partners to develop additional applications for the new resin, including healthcare-related applications

The Seven Imperatives of Great CEOs

John Wilson's book, Great CEOs and How They Are Made, presents seven imperatives for achieving success as a CEO. These imperatives, including emotional intelligence, inspiring vision, building a strong team, and accountability, are explored through real-world examples and practical tools. The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the benefits of a CEO peer group for support and shared knowledge. Ultimately, the book aims to help CEOs improve their performance, both professionally and personally, by focusing on these key areas for leadership development and creating a work-life balance.

The Future of Money: Banks vs. Blockchain

Cryptocurrency is making headlines everywhere, but is it all hype or is it truly the future of finance?

Today, we're diving deep into the world of crypto to answer the burning question: Is it a smart investment or a risky gamble?"

Hey Managers, motivate your team!

Motivating employees requires understanding their unique needs, especially in today’s diverse and hybrid workplaces. Effective motivation hinges on three steps: ask, listen, and learn about what drives team members.

Motivators fall into three categories:

1. Pre-Motivators – Baseline expectations like fair pay, good benefits, and safe working conditions.
2. External Motivators – Rewards controlled by the organization, such as promotions, bonuses, and perks.
3. Internal Motivators – Personal drivers, like meaningful work, autonomy, or opportunities to showcase strengths.

Avoiding demotivators—like harsh criticism, stereotyping, or failing to recognize accomplishments—is equally important. Even the best motivators lose their impact if paired with negative behaviors.

By asking, listening, and adapting to their team’s needs, managers can create a respectful and engaging environment that drives performance and success.

HR Coffee Talk with Kate: Focus on results not hours

The traditional approach of measuring productivity by hours worked is outdated. Businesses are now shifting towards flexible work models, such as shorter workweeks or flexible hours, focusing on results rather than clocking hours. Companies like Kickstarter and Uncharted are piloting 32-hour workweeks, emphasizing employee well-being and happiness.

Rigid deadlines and an obsession with "busyness" harm creativity, mental health, and productivity. Instead, fostering autonomy and clear goal-setting allows employees to work more effectively. Regular check-ins and open communication ensure accountability without micromanagement.

Ultimately, success lies in creating a balanced, supportive work culture that values well-being and meaningful contributions over grinding employees to the bone.