States

MEP STATE PARTNERS

MEP works closely with its state partners as well as non-profit organizations who share interests in developing relationships with states on economic and technology development related issues.

State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI)

State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) is a nationwide network of practitioners and policymakers dedicated to improving the economy through science and technology. Through its membership, this network has unique access to information, which SSTI uses to assist states and communities as they build tech-based economies, conduct research on best practices and trends in tech-based economic development, and encourage cooperation among and between state and federal programs.
 
NIST MEP has partnered with SSTI throughout the last decade because of their relationships with key state leaders in science and technology policy.  It is essential for MEP centers to align their work with state strategies for science and technology and innovation, and SSTI provides useful insights, information about emerging trends, and updates on policy and budget changes that are critical to the success of the MEP mission.

View: www.ssti.org

The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)

MEP has had a longstanding relationship with C2ER--the Council for Community and Economic Research (formerly ACCRA)--a membership organization of professionals employed by a variety of organizations including Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, government agencies, universities, utility companies, workforce development boards, community development organizations, and consultants and data providers.  With the increasing economic importance of information and the growing recognition of those who are skilled in analyzing data, community researchers and economic developers play a vital role in economic development strategies.

C2ER promotes excellence in community and economic research by working to improve data availability, enhance data quality, and foster learning about regional economic analytic methods.  MEP collaborates with C2ER to ensure that data about manufacturing in the U.S. is used effectively with policy makers at the federal and state levels. Moreover, C2ER members support MEP in developing metrics to capture the impact of innovation strategies in companies and other emerging data and analysis needs.

View: www.c2er.org

National Governors Association (NGA)

National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective, bipartisan voice of the nation's governors.  The NGA Center for Best Practices focuses on state innovations and best practices on issues that range from education and health to technology, welfare reform, and the environment. MEP works with the Center for Best Practices to align MEP center priorities and practices with state economic development agendas, particularly focusing on innovation, business retention and expansion, and technology deployment as it pertains to advanced manufacturing industries.

View: www.nga.org

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing more than 100,000 small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.  The NAM advocates for the needs of manufacturers to enable them to compete in the global economy.  Within the NAM family are 350 allied associations which comprise local, regional and vertical trade associations that serve U.S. and global employers.  
 
NIST MEP and individual MEP centers have partnered with NAM and its affiliates in numerous ways over the last decade.  These opportunities range from jointly addressing workforce issues, to supporting development of manufacturing competency models and skill standards, to conducting research on manufacturing supply chains, to raising awareness about the desirability of manufacturing careers.  Local MEP centers often collaborate with NAM affiliates regarding educational sessions for manufacturers and service delivery.  

View: www.nam.org

The National Council for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM)

The National Council for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM) is an industry-led, policy research organization, working collaboratively with leaders from industry, education, and government, to shape public policies and programs to make U.S. manufacturing globally competitive and to achieve higher levels of productivity, innovation and competitiveness. NACFAM convenes its members and other key stakeholders to identify, research, formulate, and communicate proposals in a non-partisan, non-lobbying environment.

NACFAM participants include small, medium and large manufacturing firms, associations, universities and community colleges, members of Congress and their staffs, and other federal agencies.  NIST MEP collaborates with NACFAM on issues of mutual interest, and many MEP centers have representatives that participate in NACFAM activities. The scope of these activities may include technology and innovation, workforce education and training, supply chain optimization, and sustainable green manufacturing.

View: www.nacfam.org