Industry
can work with NIST in several ways. Companies can join research
consortia, cooperative
research and development agreements, or sponsor guest
researchers in NIST
labs. Less formal collaborations between NIST researchers
and their peers in industry, academia, and other government agencies
are also common. For information on NIST projects, see Guide
to NIST.
Small manufacturers
wishing to modernize, improve productivity, and increase efficiency
can seek assistance through NIST's nationwide Manufacturing
Extension Partnership program. NIST MEP centers are located
in every state to offer local manufacturers assistance with a
variety of technical and business problems.
NIST manages
the Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award which recognizes performance excellence in business,
health care, and education. The Baldrige National Quality Program
has given guidance to thousands of organizations seeking to improve
their performance.
Industry
can compete for NIST Advanced
Technology Program co-funding to support high-risk, high-payoff
research projects. The ATP accelerates the development of innovative
technologies for broad national benefit through partnerships with
the private sector.