How can rural communities be ready to seize the opportunities—and avoid the pitfalls—of large-scale manufacturing investments? A new research initiative led by Dr. Ryan Gibson [1], titled Blueprints for Prosperity: Examining Rural Strategies for Mega-Manufacturing Investments, has been awarded funding through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to help answer this vital question.

Running from 2025 to 2028, the project will explore how rural regions in Ontario can prepare for and benefit from strategic manufacturing investments, learning from both Canadian and international examples. The research will include a comprehensive jurisdictional scan of rural manufacturing projects in places such as Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It will also feature in-depth case studies and collaborative workshops with rural Ontario communities to ensure the findings are grounded in local realities.

By identifying what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to welcoming mega-manufacturing projects, Blueprints for Prosperity will deliver practical recommendations to help communities strengthen local economies, improve infrastructure readiness, and shape policies that support long-term regional development. This research comes at a pivotal time as rural Ontario stands to play a critical role in the province’s broader economic strategy.

Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project unfolds and helps shape a more prosperous future for rural Ontario.