Extension programs help small US firms

Manufacturing assistance programs at the state and federal levels are examined. The US government has in the past year earmarked some US 350 million for programs intended to improve manufacturing. These funds have generally been targeted at small and mid-sized manufacturing enterprises with less than 500 employees. State programs are of three types: active programs, which include services from technical needs assessment to consultation assistance; broker programs, which provide limited direct assistance but put industrial clients in touch with people who can help; and passive programs, which provide information only. The growing role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in manufacturing extension activity is described.< >