Ford’s Call to Action: Building a Stronger, Smarter Essential Economy

Ford describes the Essential Economy as the collection of industries that quite literally keep the nation running. It encompasses construction, manufacturing, logistics, service, and energy—sectors that account for one-third of U.S. gross domestic product. More than 95 million workers and three million businesses are tied to this economic backbone, making it indispensable to the country’s resilience and prosperity. Yet despite its size and importance, the Essential Economy is under strain. Two challenges in particular have become acute: persistent labor shortages and declining productivity. Without interventions, these issues threaten to stall growth, limit competitiveness, and undermine the livelihoods of millions of American workers.

Ford’s Response and the “Accelerate America” Summit

Recognizing the urgency, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley has launched a national call to action. On September 30, 2025, Ford will host the Ford Pro Accelerate Summit at the newly restored Michigan Central Station in Detroit. The gathering will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to focus on boosting productivity across the Essential Economy. Farley positions the summit as more than a conference; he casts it as a turning point. The United States, he argues, is on the brink of a new growth cycle within its foundational industries, but such progress will only materialize if the country embraces smart policy and bold investment. By convening leaders at a historic hub of American industry, Ford seeks to catalyze a coordinated agenda to revive and strengthen the sectors that support everyday life.

The Toll of the Productivity Gap

The push for reform is supported by data from the Aspen Institute, which has studied the widening productivity gap between different parts of the economy. Over the past two decades, productivity in “white-collar” sectors such as software and financial services has surged, while productivity in the Essential Economy has actually declined. This divergence has had real consequences. The Aspen report estimates that if productivity across construction, energy, logistics, and related fields had merely kept pace with historical growth rates, the U.S. economy today would be 10 percent larger. That shortfall translates into significant lost income for individuals: the median American worker could be earning about $5,000 more annually had productivity trends not diverged. Instead, the Essential Economy has been trapped in stagnation, leaving both workers and businesses less equipped to thrive in a changing global marketplace.

A Strategy to Restore Growth

The Aspen Institute outlines a three-part strategy to close this productivity gap, one that Ford and its partners are now championing. First, the report emphasizes innovation. Historically, breakthroughs in energy and industrial processes were spurred by significant public investment in research and development. Renewing that commitment, and pairing it with private-sector application, is vital to modernizing the Essential Economy. Second, the report calls for serious investment in human capital. Skilled labor remains in short supply, and the trades central to construction, manufacturing, and logistics often struggle to attract and train new entrants. Stronger partnerships between employers, educators, and government programs could help ensure that workforce development keeps pace with demand. Finally, regulatory reform is seen as critical. Current permitting processes, particularly for infrastructure projects, are often mired in delays. By balancing environmental protection and public accountability with streamlined procedures, the U.S. could dramatically accelerate productivity, potentially matching the gains seen in past decades.

The Stakes for America’s Future

The scale of the Essential Economy cannot be overstated. Including industries such as healthcare, retail, and public services alongside construction and logistics, its annual output reaches roughly $12 trillion. Its 95 million jobs represent the livelihoods of nearly one in three American workers. The stakes of continued decline are correspondingly high. An underperforming Essential Economy not only drags down national growth but also erodes wages, reduces resilience, and weakens the country’s ability to respond to crises. On the other hand, the opportunity for renewal is equally powerful. By restoring productivity growth, the United States could unlock trillions of dollars in economic activity, raise wages for millions of workers, and position itself to compete more effectively on the world stage.

Ford’s Role as Catalyst

Ford’s decision to step into this debate reflects both its heritage and its future. As a company deeply tied to manufacturing, logistics, and fleet operations, it has a direct stake in the vitality of the Essential Economy. Through the Accelerate America summit, Ford seeks to convene a coalition of business leaders, innovators, and policymakers who can turn analysis into action. Farley frames the challenge in stark terms: reviving productivity and strengthening the Essential Economy is not optional—it is “absolutely essential” to America’s prosperity. By bringing national attention to the problem, and by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Ford aims to help move the country from diagnosing stagnation to building a more productive and resilient future.