NIST Seeks Input on Implementation of National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published a Request for Information seeking public input on how best to implement the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET). 

“It is critical to our economy and national security that we have high quality standards for the critical and emerging technologies that will transform the way we live and work,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “We are asking experts and stakeholders to share their best ideas for implementing a national strategy that will strengthen U.S. leadership and competitiveness in each of these sectors.”

The strategy promotes technologically sound standards that help American industry compete internationally on a level playing field and is intended to support and complement existing private sector-led activities. The strategy focuses on critical and emerging technologies including, among others:

• Communication and networking technologies
• Semiconductors and microelectronics
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Biotechnologies
• Positioning, navigation and timing services
• Digital identity infrastructure and distributed ledger technologies
• Clean energy generation and storage
• Quantum information technologies

NIST is seeking information that will support the development of the most effective implementation plan for the USG NSSCET, which was published in May. The agency is seeking public input on the best ways to partner with relevant stakeholders, remove barriers to participation in international standards development, and enhance the U.S. government’s support for an international standards system that is open, consensus-based, and led by the private sector. 

The RFI poses several questions in each of four broad categories: investment, participation, workforce, and integrity and inclusivity. While specifically seeking input on these topics, NIST welcomes all responses that stakeholders believe will support a robust and successful implementation of the strategy.

All submissions received in response to this RFI will be posted on the NIST website. Responses are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 22, 2023 (extended from 5 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 6, 2023). Full details on responding can be found in the Federal Register notice.  

NIST will hold a series of listening sessions and stakeholder events about the USG NSSCET while the RFI is open. For event announcements and other information about the USG NSSCET, visit www.standards.gov.