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Blueprint for Action I: Workshop on the Design of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI)

January 16, 2013
U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Davidson Center for Space Exploration, Huntsville, Alabama

Welcome

This regional workshop, first in a new series of workshops by the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO), provides a forum for the AMNPO to present to stakeholders the proposed design of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI or “Network”) and its regional components, Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation (IMIs or “Institutes”). The workshop will allow for public review and discussion of the proposed NNMI and IMI design, an initiative proposed by President Obama.

Who Should Attend

Representatives from industry, academia, economic development authorities, and local, state, and regional governments are encouraged to participate in this design review of the proposed NNMI and its IMIs. Join other stakeholders — regional and national — to learn more about this proposed partnership to strengthen the U.S. innovation infrastructure, and to help manufacturers improve their capabilities, develop new advanced products and processes, gain market share, and create new jobs.

The NNMI is a collaborative effort to improve the U.S. manufacturing sector's competitiveness and innovation performance. It will engage small, medium-sized, and large manufacturers, universities and community colleges, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders. Broad participation by these various sectors is essential in shaping the future Institutes and Network.

Workshop Information

This Blueprint for Action workshop will include an update on the NNMI program proposed by the President; a review of the proposed NNMI design and discussion of that design; review of the public comments received by the AMNPO in response to the May 4, 2012 Request for Information (RFI) on the proposed NNMI; and discussion of anticipated next steps. Most of the workshop will be devoted to interactive sessions to discuss the proposed key design elements of the NNMI and of the regional Institutes.

The workshop is organized by the federal interagency Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, in cooperation with stakeholders and local organizations. AMNPO partner agencies include the Department of Commerce and its National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office, Department of Labor, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Science Foundation.

What is the NNMI

Conceived to address strategic gaps in the U.S. innovation system, the NNMI will be a network of regional Institutes that will connect research discoveries and ideas for new technologies and products with current U.S. manufacturers as well as with nascent start-up firms. Regional collaborations will bring together industry, universities and community colleges, federal agencies and states to accelerate innovation by investing in industrially relevant manufacturing technologies with broad applications and to support education and training of an advanced manufacturing workforce.

The President has requested $1 billion in one-time funding to build the NNMI. The federal investment would be matched by funding from the private sector and state and local government organizations.

Location

The workshop will be held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Davidson Center for Space Exploration, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805 (1-800-637-7223). Information about the workshop location is available online at: http://rocketcenter.com/.

The Department of Defense will host the event with additional support being provided by NASA and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Registration Information

Registration is now closed. Registration will be permitted only on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event, on site, should space become available. For more information, contact: Ms. Teri Martin, University of Alabama in Huntsville, at (256) 824-6990 or martintm@uah.edu.

Limited Capacity: Registration will be on a first-come first-served basis, with no more than four representatives from the same organization accepted.

Workshop Fee: A $50 event fee, payable at the time of registration, is required and includes light morning refreshments, a working lunch, and two breaks. Attendees must pay this fee by 11:59 PM Central time, Monday, January 7, 2013.

Registration Policy: If you register and do not attend or cancel, no refund will be given; however substitutions are accepted. Contact Ms. Teri Martin at (256) 824-6990 or martintm@uah.edu if you wish to amend your event registration or if you have any questions or comments regarding workshop registration.

Workshop Admittance and Schedule

Event sign-in and light refreshments will begin at 7:00 AM Central time, on January 16, 2013. Attendees must sign-in upon their arrival at the information desk located in the lobby of the Davidson Center for Space Exploration (not the lobby of the main museum). Attendees will receive badges and workshop materials. The workshop will begin at 8:00 AM Central time and conclude at approximately 5:00 PM Central time. A preliminary agenda will be posted prior to the event.

Hotel Accommodations

Workshop participants may select from a number of local hotels. Click here for a listing of area hotels. A special rate has not been negotiated with area hotels.

Transportation

Transportation to the Davidson Center is not provided by the workshop organizers. Commercial taxicabs are available from area hotels. Taxi service is also available from the following providers:

Directions to the Event and Parking

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Davidson Center for Space Exploration is conveniently located at One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805. Use Exit 15 off I-565 to access parking and the workshop location. Parking is available on-site at no charge. Detailed directions and maps to get to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Davidson Center for Space Exploration may be found online at: http://www.spacecamp.com/mu/directions. The Davidson Center is identified at the lower left (southwest) portion of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center campus.

Questions or Comments

If you have any questions or comments regarding the workshop event, please contact one of the following government representatives:

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