COVID-19: International manufacturing policy responses (Version 2)

This report provides an overview of international policy responses aimed at mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 on manufacturing. This is an update of the report COVID-19: International Manufacturing Policy Responses, published in April 2020.

The list of measures presented here is not exhaustive, and the report should be seen as a snapshot of the current international policy landscape, which is likely to change rapidly as governments implement new measures.

Policy measures captured in this report were announced by 2 June 2020, unless otherwise specified.

About this update

• This report is an update of the original review conducted between March and April 2020, when most countries were in the most acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• As countries have entered the recovery phase and gradually reopened their economies, the policy focus has shifted from mobilising manufacturing towards critical supplies, to ensuring continuing operation of manufacturing and supporting post-crisis manufacturing growth.
• This update was conducted between April and June 2020 and includes a non-exhaustive list of policy measures announced by governments by 2 June 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Report themes

Themes covered in the first report, with updates

• Ensuring continuity of manufacturing businesses
• Mobilising manufacturing towards critical supplies
• Supporting post-crisis manufacturing growth

New themes in this update

• Cross-sectoral approach to manufacturing support
• Reshoring
• Supply chains
• R&D-related support mechanisms
• Public research and technology organisations (RTOs) and centres of excellence

Related policy briefs

In addition to this report, two complementary notes have been developed on specific topics:

• How manufacturing can emerge stronger: Policies to support industrial recovery and growth after COVID-19
• The role of industrial digitalisation in post-COVID-19 manufacturing recovery, diversification and resilience