Key takeaways from Duncan Meldrum, Chief Economist, Hilltop Economics at SEMI ISS. The semiconductor industry is thriving, but it’s propping up an economy on shaky ground. That was the core message from Duncan Meldrum’s presentation on the 2026 economic outlook and semiconductor risks at SEMI ISS this year. While most sessions focused on nodes, tools,…
What the Industry Is Signaling Earlier in January, I had the pleasure of again attending the annual SEMI ISS event to get a pulse on industry happenings. During my time there, a remarkably consistent narrative emerged: The semiconductor industry is entering a structurally different era, defined not by scaling transistors, but by scaling how intelligently…
In today’s dynamic economic landscape, organizations are seeking innovative solutions to manage their contingent workforce effectively. Acara’s Hybrid Managed Service Program (MSP) offers a unique combination of the preferred supplier and master vendor models, providing a tailored approach that meets the specific needs of businesses with a contingent labor spend below $20 million annually. The…
Focus On Skills-Based Hiring Skills-Based Hiring Defined: A recruitment approach that evaluates candidates based on their demonstrated abilities and competencies rather than traditional credentials like degrees or specific job titles, expanding access to qualified talent while improving hiring outcomes. Quick Facts (LinkedIn Economic Graph Research Institute) 64% of employers now use skills-based hiring for entry-level…
Despite a challenging 2025 due to policy changes, the renewable energy industry still dominated U.S. capacity growth, accounting for 93 percent of additions through September 2025. As it looks ahead to 2026, it expects to attract investor capital through strategic changes, including shifts to safe-harbor projects and improved efficiencies to minimize rising costs. This means…
Are you a human resources or talent acquisition leader who wants to improve your industry knowledge? With so much information available, finding the best sources can be overwhelming. Our team at Acara has refreshed our favorite sites, blogs, and newsletters that help us keep up with what’s happening in the world of HR As we…
The business landscape has fundamentally shifted, and contract labor has moved from an alternative staffing solution to a strategic necessity. If your organization hasn’t embraced flexible workforce models yet, you’re falling behind. Here’s why contract labor should be central to your 2026 talent strategy. The Contract Labor Revolution The numbers tell a compelling story. By…
The cleantech industry continues its strong recovery trajectory, with the energy sector now employing 8.5 million workers in 2024, accounting for 5.4% of all U.S. jobs. Since 2020, the clean energy sector has added more than 520,000 new jobs, reflecting strong momentum. The sector’s growth shows no signs of slowing, thanks to several key factors….
New Term You Should Know: Job Hugging Job Hugging: When employees cling to their current roles out of fear of change—prioritizing security over growth, often stalling their own and the company’s progress. What this means for employers today With economic uncertainty and slow job switching, job hugging is reshaping workforce dynamics and engagement levels. While…
As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh welcomes 19 million visitors a year. Known both as the “City of Oaks” as well as the “Smithsonian of the South,” Raleigh boasts many world-class parks, museums, and live music venues. It’s also the location of the first historically Black university in the South—Shaw University in the heart…
