NIST, States, Companies, and Universities: Partners in Economic Growth

Published

October 1, 1998

Author(s)

Robert E. Hebner

Abstract

New kinds of partnerships between the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), States, Companies, and Universities are essential to preserve and stimulate economic growth at a time when only economies that stimulate technological innovation enjoy economic benefits. Technology-driven economic growth used to result from university-conducted basic science research, industry-funded applied research and development (R&D) with an overall focus on commercial applications, and federal research conducted in support of public missions, such as defense, energy, and space exploration. New trends indicate federally funded R&D is declining with a corresponding increase in industry-funded R&D but the nature of that R&D is changing as companies strive to compete in global economy. Industry's current short-term R&D strategies are depriving society of a funding source for gains realized through a more aggressive and longer range R&D portfolio. To compensate, industry must partner with universities and federal laboratories to defray cost of conducting and maintaining research needed to preserve the benefits that once accrued from large industrial laboratories. Two other factors demand such tripartite partnerships; employment turbulence and the need to augment the established high technology industries currently concentrated within six states with a greater R&D capacity across all sectors of the economy. Through its Measurements and Standards Laboratories, Advanced Technology Program, Manufacturing Extension Program, and Baldrige National Quality Program, NIST is partnering with industry and academe to stimulate and support R&D appropriate to building the nation's long term capability for technological innovation and advancement.

Proceedings Title

Proc., 1998 National Science Foundation State/IUCRC Symposium

Conference Dates

October 1, 1998

Conference Location

Charlotte, NC

Conference Title

National Science Foundation State/IUCRC Symposium

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

economy, global competitveness, government, industry, research and development (R&D), technology, universities

Citation

Hebner, R. (1998), NIST, States, Companies, and Universities: Partners in Economic Growth, Proc., 1998 National Science Foundation State/IUCRC Symposium, Charlotte, NC (Accessed December 14, 2024)