The Future of Manufacturing: What is the Role of the Federal Government in Supporting Innovation by U.S. Manufacturers?

House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on the need for U.S. manufacturers to adopt innovative technologies and processes in order to remain globally competitive. Members and witnesses discussed the role for the federal government in supporting efforts by U.S. manufacturers to innovate. Witnesses testified on the challenges facing manufacturers, including for small- and medium-sized businesses to access the capital necessary to make investments and upgrades in their companies. Witnesses also highlighted the value in public-private partnerships in the advancing the development of technology and early commercialization.

Members and witnesses also discussed programs at agencies within the Committee’s jurisdiction. The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports fundamental manufacturing research leading to transformative advances in manufacturing technologies. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has several programs to help U.S. manufacturers compete globally. The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) promotes innovation and the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing through measurement science and technical contributions to standards. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) provides a range of services to small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including best practices for lean manufacturing. The Technology Innovation Program (TIP) supports, promotes, and accelerates innovation in the U.S. by funding high-risk, high-reward research in areas of critical need.

Witnesses and Members discussed the potential benefits of coordinating manufacturing R&D across the federal government. Better coordination could ensure that a more balanced research portfolio; minimize redundancies and gaps in research; and make it easier for the private sector to access research and resources by giving them a single first point of contact. Members and witnesses highlighted the need for manufacturers to have a skilled workforce to stay competitive. In order to ensure that the nation’s workforce is prepared for the highly technical jobs of the future, the Committee is continuing to look for ways to improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, which will also be included in COMPETES.

Witnesses were:

• Susan Smyth, Director of Manufacturing, GM R & D, and Chief Scientist for Manufacturing, General Motors Company
• Len Sauers, Vice President, Global Sustainability, Procter & Gamble
• Debtosh Chakrabarti, President and Chief Operating Officer, PMC Group Inc.
• Mark Tuominen, Director, National Nanomanufacturing Network
• Wayne Crews, Vice President for Policy and Director of Technology Studies, Competitive Enterprise Institute

The hearing charter includes a good discussion of manufacturing’s role in the U.S. economy, the importance of innovation, and federal policies intended to support that innovation.