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Indiana stands at a pivotal moment. Unprecedented disruptions challenge the equilibrium of our state’s economy. Leading indicators suggest that inaction or a tentative response will further erode the level of prosperity we presently enjoy. Concurrently, thoughtful observers point to the tremendous opportunities that lie on the other side of some of these tectonic changes. How will leaders in our state focus their limited energies and resources? Where will they look for guidance in this data-rich but insight-scarce digital age?

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Failure to Launch

Too many young men in Indiana—and across the nation—are falling behind at a pivotal moment in their lives. Just as they should be launching into stable, flourishing adulthood, many are disengaging from education, work, and community. This report examines the converging social, economic, and cultural forces driving these outcomes in Indiana and outlines practical, evidence‑based recommendations.

Read the Report

New Season: Solutions with Sagamore

Building on the insights from Workforce 2040, Sagamore's podcast dives deep into key topics for Indiana and the nation, from manufacturing to state education policy and mental health. Take a listen.

Workforce 2040 | Jan. 2026 Update

Workforce 2040 is more than a book—but rather a continuous process to build visibility, engagement and action. Read the latest update on how we're exploring key education and workforce issues to ensure our communities are prepared for the future, and what's in store for 2026.

Building a Prosperous Future

Workforce 2040: Pathways to Prosperity was developed by Sagamore Institute in partnership with key education, business, community, and government leaders to build awareness and prepare for a time of economic disruption and opportunity. In the tradition of Workforce 2000 and Workforce 2020—initiatives that were led by Sagamore’s predecessor, the Hudson Institute—Workforce 2040 offers independent analyses, strategic predictions, and policy recommendations.

The book is organized around three key areas: the future of the workforce; the future of work; and the future of learning. It provides a detailed assessment of Indiana’s current and future workforce and assesses the implications of demographic shifts. It explores the impact of rapid and transformational advances in technologies and examines which jobs will be created or eliminated and what skills will be valued. And it offers insights into the ways people will learn and education will be delivered.

While predicting workforce trends is central to Workforce 2040, the book’s publication is not the singular purpose of the project. Designed as an ongoing process, Sagamore and our partners are committed to regular updates of the content, statewide outreach to build awareness, and metrics that mark our progress. Indiana stands at a crossroads as we face a time of rapid and consequential technological change. Workforce 2040: Pathways to Prosperity seeks to engage our state’s leaders – public, private, and philanthropic – in a future-focused vision that promotes innovation, opportunity and prosperity.

We invite you, leaders in Indiana, and across the nation to look beyond the noise of headlines, defenses of the status quo, and issues of the present day that shout for our attention. Make space to consider the long-term issues of the future and reimagine how Hoosiers can come together to build a prosperous economy for decades and generations to come.

Print and digital copies of Workforce 2040 are available for purchase online.

The Issues of the Future

While the issues of past and present merit consideration, Workforce 2040 calls attention to the critical future economic trends and demographic disruptions that must be confronted to ensure our continued prosperity. These challenges include foundational shifts in our society, sector-specific opportunities, and cultural norms that need to change. Each chapter of Workforce 2040 engages one or more of the following areas:

FOUNDATIONS:

Riding the Wave: Accelerating into the AI Era
Jarring technological transformations in artificial intelligence, robots, and biology will soon generate unimagined wealth and opportunity. But workers, firms, and states who are unprepared or complacent could fall even further behind than they are today. In Chapter 1, economist and technology expert Bret Swanson makes the case for why Indiana’s surest path to prosperity is through building more high-growth, high-potential firms and economic networks.

The 21st Century Demographic Cliff
A region’s economy thrives or dives because of the people who choose to live there. This is the fundamental barometer of a state, county, or region, since it presages lackluster business or talent attraction. Using the Indiana Business Research Center’s latest demographic projections at the state, regional, and county levels, Carol Rogers explains why 150 years of population growth in Indiana is likely coming to an end and what policymakers and leaders can do to prepare Indiana communities and businesses for new and greater population challenges.

The Future of Learning
Due to dramatic technological changes that create both uncertainty and opportunity, educators, employers, and policymakers will be challenged to prepare citizens for jobs that don’t yet exist and evolving skills needed for economic well-being. This chapter examines the significant trends of innovation, casts a long-term vision of what learning in Indiana could be, and offers principles for a learning system design that can grapple with fast-changing known and not-yet-known implications of the future.

SECTORS:

The Manufacturing Renaissance

Today, advanced manufacturing is responsible for nearly 30 percent of our state’s gross regional product and nearly 20 percent of the workforce, making it Indiana’s largest and most intensive industry sector. Hoosier prosperity depends on our ability to make and deliver the products of today and tomorrow; therefore, it is imperative that Indiana seizes the unique opportunities presented by an era of manufacturing renaissance.

The Healthcare Dilemma
The enormity of the healthcare market contains multitudes: it is the economy’s largest sector and source of jobs. Its doctors, nurses, and technologists produce marvels of healing and life extension. It also is the most voracious consumer of government spending and, by some measures, America’s least productive industry. These very inefficiencies, however, point toward massive opportunities: healthcare may be the most exciting target for a techno-entrepreneurial transformation, led by AI, molecular medicine, and a revolution of personalized care and financing to counter today’s model of bloat.

Advanced Innovation for People, Plants, Animals, and Our Planet
Scientific ingenuity, hard work, and collaboration comprise the fabric of Indiana’s workforce. These foundational characteristics position our state as a leader in human life sciences and agbiosciences. But maintaining and expanding our position will require fearless leadership and financial commitments that create world-class training and education – including visionary state-of-the-art facilities. Now is the time to take action and cultivate a sustainable workforce for Hoosier companies focused on delivering the innovations that heal and feed the world.

CULTURE:

Entrepreneurship and Capital Formation

Indiana has momentum in building its innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem; however, it also has significant opportunity for improvement. Telling data points illustrate the reality that Indiana’s innovation ecosystem will demand greater attention and investment to realize its full potential. This chapter’s authors explain how Indiana can unlock the full potential of its talent and become a leader in the 21st century economy as the “Innovation Capital of the World.”

Employers as Educators
As we look to the future, Indiana stands poised to further excel in emerging technologies such as microchip manufacturing, energy development and transmission, and artificial intelligence. However, amid this success, a critical challenge looms large: human capital. Like many states, Indiana grapples with the daunting task of fully harnessing its workforce potential. In this chapter, the authors share a vision for a workforce system that strategically integrates employer signaling about workforce needs and enables a more active role for employers in education and learning.

Where, How and Why People Work
Let’s fast forward to 2040 and consider the trends and challenges Indiana will face – through the lens of generations of workers and the technological advances transforming workplaces. How do we build a workforce culture that better meets employees’ expectations and employers’ needs? How do we skill and reskill people so they are prepared for work and economic advancement? The answer to these and other questions can ensure growth opportunities for the future, personal prosperity, and a stronger Indiana economy.

Engaging Leaders and Regions

Currently, Workforce 2040 is focused on engaging leaders in Indiana and the Great Lakes with the pressing future issues in the areas of workforce, work and learning. We regularly refine our analysis and recommendations based on these interactions. By co-hosting meaningful conversations in various places, we aim to capture the unique perspectives and challenges of different communities. Additionally, we will spotlight innovative solutions and initiatives pioneered by local leaders.

In this spirit, please share your thoughts and feedback on Workforce 2040: Pathways to Prosperity as well as your perspective on the most important issues affecting the future economy using this form.