1.2.4: SMEs

Engage SMEs.

Other Information:

Engagement with SMEs. Small and medium-sized enterprises are a vital part of the manufacturing sector; SMEs in highly effective supply chains for technology-intensive manufacturing sectors have the potential to accelerate efforts to enhance U.S. competitiveness in advanced manufacturing overall. These SMEs tend to be early adopters of transformational technology, and they are well-positioned to innovate and produce jobs. This makes their involvement in Institutes essential for maximizing industry and economic impacts. However, SMEs usually invest less in R&D than larger or more established firms. Strategies to encourage the participation of SMEs in Institutes include engaging outreach partners and intermediaries that work closely with SMEs, providing valued information and services tailored to address SME needs, providing a tiered membership fee structure, allowance of all in-kind contributions for new member SMEs, the use of contract-based activities, staged licensing of IP, and similar arrangements.

Stakeholder(s):

• SMEs

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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