CT SB01021

Establishes a manufacturing technology working group appointed by commerce committee chairpersons to develop a strategic plan for integrating Industry 4.0 technology into Connecticut manufacturers' operations.

Defines "Industry 4.0 technology" as hardware, software, and innovations for digitizing manufacturing to improve quality, efficiency, productivity, and security, and "small and mid-sized manufacturers" as businesses with fewer than 150 employees per facility.

Working group must compile comprehensive profiles of entities receiving state or federal funding for Industry 4.0 research, development, training, and deployment, and conduct value-stream mapping to assess service gaps, duplications, and barriers.

Requires working group membership to include representatives from the commerce committee, Governor's chief manufacturing officer, educational institutions, and manufacturers (at least 50% of members total, with at least 33% from small and mid-sized manufacturers).

Cochaired by Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and CONNSTEP representatives, with first meeting by August 31, 2021; progress report due March 15, 2022, and final strategic plan with legislative proposals due October 1, 2022.