W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — ASTM International has been chosen to spearhead a new center of excellence dedicated to the standardization of critical and emerging technologies (CETs). This initiative, supported by a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), aims to enhance U.S. competitiveness and bolster national security through advanced standardization efforts.
ASTM International President Andy Kireta emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in this initiative, noting its longstanding commitment to integrating standards development with technology roadmaps from the onset. “This effort is at the core of what we do,” Kireta stated, highlighting the organization’s track record in fostering public-private partnerships to expedite the creation of industry-driven standards.
The new Standardization Center of Excellence (SCoE) will concentrate on four key areas:
- Pre-standardization Engagement: Ensuring robust participation from the private sector in standards development processes.
- Workforce Development: Establishing a pipeline of professionals skilled in standards development to meet future demands.
- Standards Gap Identification: Collaborating with NIST to pinpoint and address gaps in standards for key CETs, thus speeding up their development.
- Data Hub Creation: Developing a resource-rich data hub equipped with tools for stakeholders engaged in CET standards development.
ASTM’s leadership in this area is bolstered by its success with previous centers of excellence, such as those in additive manufacturing and exo technology, which have effectively brought together global industry stakeholders to identify and address standards needs.
Several experienced partners will collaborate with ASTM in this venture, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), A3 Association for Advancing Automation, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), UL Standards and Engagement, CSA Group, Accuris, and Nexight Group. These organizations bring a wealth of experience in standards development and education, making them invaluable contributors to the SCoE’s mission.
As ASTM International embarks on this significant project, it aims to forge a collaborative ecosystem that enhances the development and implementation of standards crucial for advancing CETs, thus supporting national and industry interests.
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