Former President Obama was a vocal proponent of the Maker Movement, hosting the White House’s first Maker Faire, establishing the National Day and National Week of Making, and launching Nation of Makers, now a non-profit organization. The new administration has so far been less vocal in its support, but, if this week’s 3D/DC policy conference is any indication, there’s reason to have hope that support will continue in the new administration.

Shapeways Design Evangelist Lauren Slowik took part in the panel The Maker Movement and the New Administration, joined by a group that included members of governmental organizations that actively support Makers. The Congressional Manufacturing Caucus, Congressional Maker Caucus, U.S Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Marine Corps were all represented.

President Obama was never alone in his pro-Maker Movement initiatives. The bipartisan Congressional Maker Caucus, led by California Representative Mark Takano, has worked since 2014 to raise awareness around the potential of the Maker Movement to revitalize American manufacturing. Yesterday, Rep. Takano signaled a more proactive approach to stimulating the movement:

The panelists also focused on how the nature of manufacturing in America has evolved. Lauren stressed the importance of shifting the focus to building human capital. Said Jahanmir, Senior Legislative Fellow for Rep. Tim Ryan and co-chair of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus and Congressional Maker Caucus, agreed, adding that the Maker Movement provides a powerful set of tools for job creation. Captain Chris Wood, Co-Lead for Additive Manufacturing, U.S. Marine Corps, shared that the military is setting up interesting pathways to becoming Makers, with a guiding educational philosophy that learning the technology of making isn’t something you can lecture to students, but something they must be shown how to do.

Dr. Jahanmir was optimistic about the potential of the movement, adding, “Old jobs disappear, but new jobs always come around,” but cautioning attendees, “You have to educate Congress on making. The public shouldn’t wait for the administration to do the work.”

Shapeways community members also spoke on the Extreme Applications of 3D Printing, 3D Printing and the Future of Education, and Women in 3D Printing panels. For full coverage of the 2-day event, follow Nation of Makers and Public Knowledge Policy Fellow Sara on Twitter. Cover image courtesy @NationOfMakers.