Have you ever stopped to think about how fragile our global supply chains really are? One unexpected event—a pandemic, a canal blockage, or rising tensions in a key region—and suddenly, everything grinds to a halt. I’ve found myself reflecting on this more often lately, especially as we head into 2026. It feels like the world is waking up to a new reality, one where security and resiliency trump pure efficiency.
That’s the essence of what some are calling Production for Security, or ProSec for short. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s becoming a guiding principle for governments, companies, and investors alike. And in my view, it’s set to define much of the economic landscape this year.
The Rise of Production for Security in 2026
Over the past few years, we’ve seen cracks in the old system. Disruptions that once seemed improbable are now part of the conversation. Companies that relied heavily on distant suppliers faced massive shortages, while nations realized how dependent they were on foreign sources for critical goods. ProSec is the response: a deliberate shift toward building things at home or with trusted partners, all in the name of strength and stability.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this mindset is spreading globally. It’s not unique to one country—everyone’s rethinking priorities. But for places with the resources and political will, it’s accelerating fast. Resiliency isn’t just nice to have anymore; it’s essential.
Why Resiliency Matters More Than Ever
Think back to recent disruptions. Shipping routes thrown into chaos by accidents or conflicts. Vital materials suddenly harder to get. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’ve happened, and markets punished companies that weren’t prepared.
In my experience following markets, the next time something like this occurs, investors won’t be as forgiving. They’ll reward those who planned ahead, who diversified routes or brought production closer to home. It’s about answering those “what if” questions before they become crises.
Take maritime risks, for instance. Gray-zone tactics in contested waters can make trade routes unpredictable. Large fleets of seemingly civilian vessels can complicate navigation, even without outright conflict. Planning for safer, more reliable paths—or reducing dependence on vulnerable lanes—suddenly makes a lot of sense.
- Closer geographic ties for suppliers
- Political alliances influencing trade decisions
- Preference for regional partners over distant ones
These steps add resiliency, and they’re increasingly factored into long-term strategies.
Critical Dependencies: Rare Earths and Minerals
One area that keeps coming up is access to rare earth elements and critical minerals. A handful of countries dominate mining, but the real bottleneck is processing and refining. That’s where dependency bites hardest.
Even if raw materials are available elsewhere, sending them halfway around the world for refinement creates vulnerability. And in a tense environment, restrictions could appear overnight. It’s not the base case, sure, but ignoring the risk entirely feels reckless.
The more self-reliant we become in processing, the less leverage others have over us.
Building domestic or allied capacity here isn’t about total isolation—it’s about deterrence. The stronger your position, the less likely someone tests it.
I’ve seen analogies that drive this home: a complex machine stopping because one tiny component is missing. It doesn’t matter how big the rest is—if that part doesn’t arrive, everything halts.
Energy Independence as a Cornerstone
Energy tells a similar story. Past reliance on foreign sources led to painful lessons when supplies tightened. Now, the push is for diverse, reliable domestic production.
All practical options are on the table. Nuclear revival, natural gas expansion, even coal in the short term—whatever meets demand quickly and securely. Transmission upgrades and grid hardening are part of it too, protecting against both cyber and physical threats.
- Rapid build-out of generation capacity
- Focus on locations rich in resources
- Batteries for storage and stability
- Utilities positioned for growth
The irony? Greater independence often reduces the incentive for disruption. It’s economic deterrence in action.
Key Industries Poised for Growth
Certain sectors stand out as natural beneficiaries. Semiconductors and AI infrastructure top the list—demand is skyrocketing, and bringing production home aligns perfectly with security goals.
Government support flows in various forms: direct investment, regulatory easing, prioritized purchasing. Companies manufacturing domestically get an edge, especially those tied to national initiatives.
Data centers follow power and water availability, shifting geography in interesting ways. Low-latency needs stay urban; everything else migrates to resource-rich areas.
| Sector | Opportunity Level | Key Drivers |
| Semiconductors & AI | High | Demand + Government Backing |
| Energy Production | Very High | Immediate Needs + All Sources |
| Rare Earth Processing | Medium-High | Strategic Importance |
| Defense & Shipbuilding | Medium | Long Lead Times |
| Heavy Industry | Medium | Phase Two Focus |
Nuclear, in particular, has long-term potential despite public perception hurdles. Small modular reactors could transform the landscape if scaled successfully. Uranium and related plays offer exposure.
Defense evolves too—drones, autonomous systems, space capabilities gaining budget share over traditional platforms. Shipbuilding faces skill and facility shortages but remains strategically vital.
How ProSec Replaces Old Priorities
Traditional frameworks emphasized different goals. Now, the lens shifts toward true sustainability—meaning reliable, secure supply even under stress.
It’s not a complete rejection of past ideas; many compatible elements remain. But resiliency takes center stage, influencing everything from site selection to partner choices.
Corporations rethink capital allocation. Investors adjust portfolios. Policymakers craft incentives. The ripple effects touch nearly every decision.
Global Implications and Partnerships
No country goes fully alone. Smart partnerships fill gaps—trusted allies for materials unavailable domestically, joint ventures for scale.
Regional agreements strengthen ties. Transactional deals secure specific needs. Trade continues, but strategic items follow careful planning rather than pure cost minimization.
In some ways, studying how other nations built their industrial bases provides a roadmap. Adapt it to local conditions, and you have a blueprint for resilience.
Investment Angle: Where Opportunities Lie
For investors, ProSec opens doors across multiple themes. Domestic manufacturers in chips and tech. Energy infrastructure builders. Companies servicing new facilities—rail, equipment, pipelines.
Private equity eyes dormant projects revived by changed incentives. Mergers consolidate capacity. Even sovereign funds might channel capital strategically.
The beauty is the breadth: established leaders benefit from support, while smaller innovators capture niche gains. Jobs and wealth creation start early in the build phase, boosted by favorable tax treatment.
Of course, hurdles exist—regulatory, skilled labor, lead times. But political momentum tends to clear paths when security is framed as the goal.
Looking ahead, 2026 feels like an inflection point. The shift toward Production for Security isn’t fading; if anything, it’s gaining steam. Companies embracing it early position themselves strongly. Nations leading the charge enhance their strategic standing.
In my view, this could spark a prolonged cycle of investment and innovation. Not without challenges, certainly, but the potential rewards—for stability, growth, and returns—look substantial. The question is: which players will adapt fastest?
One thing seems clear: ignoring resiliency risks being left behind. Embracing it opens possibilities we haven’t seen in decades.
