Reports

The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 created the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. based manufacturing by making manufacturing technologies, processes and services more accessible to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs).

The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute publicly released its Future of Work study. The study, previously issued to ARM Institute Members, details how advanced technologies, chiefly robotics, automation, and AI, are changing the nature of manufacturing careers and the actions needed to prepare the U.S. workforce for these changes.

Our nation’s economic stability relies on a strong manufacturing sector one that generates jobs, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth. Because small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) make up a large proportion of U.S. firms, their success is essential to a robust manufacturing ecosystem.

This report focuses on five areas and includes 14 recommendations that are actionable by NASA, DOD, DOC, and other federal departments and agencies. When implemented, these recommendations will lead to an increased understanding of existing infrastructure and identification of current capabilities and future needs for space manufacturing.

For over thirty years, the MEP program has focused on bridging the manufacturing productivity gap, identifying opportunities for growth, and encouraging technology deployment. The 51 MEP Centers are an integral part of the MEP National Network, providing manufacturing clients with a wide array of fundamental services in manufacturing, business, and process improvements.

In FY 2021, the Manufacturing USA network collaborated across agencies and institutes to share research progress and discuss lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the American Rescue Plan appropriations, NIST-sponsored grant competitions will fund projects to Manufacturing USA institutes to focus on domestic research, development, and testbeds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

As domestic and international challenges continue to affect U.S. public health, the economy, and national security, the advanced manufacturing sector is responding. Innovative, resilient, and sustainable manufacturing systems are transforming the U.S. to become stronger, smarter, greener, and more secure.

Congress maintains a strong interest in the health of U.S. manufacturing due to its central role in the U.S. economy and national defense. Manufacturing USA is a network of institutes focused on facilitating the development and commercialization of emerging manufacturing technologies. The existing network consists of 16 institutes sponsored by the Departments of Commerce (DOC), Defense (DOD), and Energy (DOE) and co-funded with private sector partners.

The Departments of Commerce, Defense (DOD), and Energy (DOE) have established a network of innovation institutes—known as Manufacturing USA institutes—to promote research, development, and commercialization of advanced manufacturing technologies. Manufacturing USA institutes reported making progress toward achieving their technology goals.