New Report Released on the National-Level Economic Impact of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

A recent study by the W.E. Upjohn Institute found the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program generates a substantial economic and financial return of nearly 9:1 for the $130 million annually invested by the federal government.  Using the national REMI® model, along with the results from the FY2016 NIST MEP client impact survey conducted by Fors Marsh, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research study finds that economic returns are substantially higher than previously reported by the MEP Program due to broader economic effects. The study uses a conservative approach in estimating the broader economic impacts of the program by examining the competitive interactions between firms.  NIST MEP contracted with Upjohn to create the study estimating the broader national impacts of the NIST MEP program.  

A PDF of the report, the executive summary, the one page summary and the appendix are available to view and download.

The study and subsequent report, The National-Level Economic Impact of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), is posted on the Upjohn Institute website as well.