North America is at an inflection point. The rapid pace of technological change, from advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to new sustainable materials, is reshaping industries across the continent. Yet the future of our competitiveness will not be determined by technology alone. It will be defined by how we place people at the heart of progress — ensuring that innovation is not only a driver of efficiency, but a source of opportunity and resilience for families and communities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, we view automation and innovation as tools to enhance human potential. For decades, our industry has been characterized by change: the transition from mechanical to electronic systems, the rise of globalized supply chains, and now the ongoing shift toward electrification and digitalization. What has remained constant is the central role of people — the engineers solving complex problems, the skilled tradespeople ensuring quality and safety, and the communities that depend on strong, stable employment.

Automation as Empowerment

Discussions about automation often focus on what might be lost: fewer jobs, diminished roles for workers, or a reduced need for human oversight. At Magna, we see the opposite. When implemented thoughtfully, automation enhances human capability. It takes on repetitive, hazardous, or physically demanding tasks and allows workers to focus on higher-value activities that draw on creativity, problem-solving, and judgment. And it can help make North America more competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy. 

On our factory floors, collaborative robots — or “cobots” — now work side by side with people, improving safety while boosting productivity. Vision systems powered by artificial intelligence catch microscopic defects that the human eye cannot see, giving our workers the confidence to deliver world-class quality. Predictive maintenance tools analyze streams of data to prevent downtime, allowing technicians to spend less time reacting to breakdowns and more time refining processes.

The outcome is not a diminished workforce, but an empowered one. By helping people leverage innovation, we are building a model of manufacturing that is more adaptable, resilient and competitive — one where human ingenuity is amplified rather than replaced.

Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow

The benefits of innovation are not automatic; they require deliberate investment in people. That is why Magna has made workforce development a priority across our vast North American footprint that includes more than 140 manufacturing facilities.

We are investing in upskilling programs that prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow. From training technicians to operate advanced robotics systems to creating pathways for engineers to work on electrification and software-defined vehicles, our focus is on equipping people with adaptable skills. For example, at several facilities we have introduced internal “academies” where employees can learn coding, automation maintenance, or data analysis — skills that will only grow in demand.

Partnerships are also critical. We work closely with universities, community colleges, and vocational schools across the continent to ensure curricula are aligned with industry needs. By supporting apprenticeships and co-op programs, we help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience. These collaborations ensure that North America’s next generation of talent is prepared to thrive in an innovation-driven economy.

This approach reflects a simple belief: technological progress should create opportunity, not fear. By investing in skills development and embracing lifelong learning, we can ensure that automation strengthens the social fabric rather than fraying it.

Communities at the Center

Innovation is not only about the factory floor — it is about the communities that surround it. Magna employs more than 164,000 people across the globe, with more than 72,000 in North America. Each paycheck supports families, small businesses, and local economies. Every innovation we implement, from new materials to smarter manufacturing processes, carries a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of our plants.

Consider our efforts in sustainable manufacturing. By introducing lightweight materials and improving energy efficiency, we reduce costs while lowering environmental impact. These changes not only benefit our customers and end consumers, but they also create pride within our workforce and local communities that see themselves contributing to a more sustainable future.

Similarly, our cross-border operations illustrate the power of collaboration. Components designed in Canada may be manufactured in the United States and assembled in Mexico before being shipped to customers worldwide. Each step adds value, creates jobs, and demonstrates the interconnectedness of our continent’s economy. For policymakers, this is a reminder that trade and innovation are not abstract concepts — they are lived experiences for the communities we serve. 

Balancing Efficiency and Humanity

The true measure of innovation is not only in efficiency gains or technological breakthroughs, but in how it improves lives. When we integrate automation responsibly, we safeguard the dignity of work. When we prioritize training, we ensure workers remain adaptable and resilient. When we strengthen cross-border supply chains, we make our economies more stable and our communities more secure.

This balance between efficiency and humanity is where North America’s competitive edge will come from. Compared to other regions, we benefit from a diverse workforce, a culture of ingenuity, and strong institutions that can foster both innovation and individual opportunity. By putting people at the center of progress, we can ensure that growth is broad-based, sustainable, and resilient in the face of global disruptions.

A Call to Action

As policymakers, business leaders, and educators gather at the North Capital Forum, the challenge before us is clear: to harness innovation in a way that empowers people. Companies like Magna are ready to play our part — by investing in skills, integrating technology responsibly, and building communities that thrive in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.   

But success will require partnership. Policymakers can support programs that expand access to training and reskilling, and provide a stable and predictable environment where we can all prosper. Educational institutions can continue to adapt to the needs of an evolving economy and labor market. Businesses can commit to placing people at the center of their innovation strategies. Together, we can build a North American economy that is globally competitive and locally impactful. 

The future of innovation is not only about what we build, but about who we build it for. At Magna, we believe the answer is clear: innovation must always serve people. That belief is not just our responsibility as a company — it is our shared opportunity as a continent.