With 6 million jobs lost in the last decade, U.S. manufacturing bore the brunt of globalization and recession, not to mention a widespread belief that its day had simply passed.

But at a recent Brookings Institution conference, panelists asserted that a series of developments — from 3-D printing to the resurrection of the auto industry — are converging to paint a bright picture for the future.  

Panelists at the event said there are good reasons to expect the manufacturing sector to rebound — if it is supported by smart public policies and public-private programs. 

For more, read "US Manufacturing: The Misunderstood Powerhouse."