Global standards organization ASTM International has been selected to launch a center of excellence focused on supporting standardization of critical and emerging technologies (CETs).
Through a competitive process, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) tapped ASTM to lead the standardization center of excellence (SCoE) along with several other partners in the standards development environment.
“We are confident ASTM is the right place for the Standardization Center of Excellence,” said ASTM International President, Andy Kireta. “This effort is at the core of what we do. We’ve been on the forefront of deploying an integrated approach to advance CET standardization by creating an ecosystem that links standards development and technology roadmaps and embeds standards early in the process. We look forward to working with NIST and our partners on such a consequential initiative that can build on this model and spur public-private collaboration to accelerate the development of industry-driven CET standards.”
NIST awarded $15 million for the Center of Excellence to support U.S. engagement in international standardization for critical and emerging technologies. The new Standardization Center of Excellence will be led by global standards organization ASTM International, with multiple partners from across the standards development ecosystem.
“Broad U.S. participation in the international standards process is vital to ensuring global market access for our products and services in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving technologies and that the resulting standards are based on sound science,” said NIST Associate Director for Laboratory Programs Charles Romine. “This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership will help us advance international standardization for the critical and emerging technologies that are changing our lives every day, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and biotechnology.”
The Standardization Center of Excellence will focus on four broad areas:
- Pre-standardization engagement to encourage and ensure private sector-driven participation, especially by underrepresented groups such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in international standardization efforts.
- Workforce capacity building to create a pipeline of professionals, especially early- to mid-career professionals, who can engage in and lead international standards development efforts.
- A collaborative pilot program with NIST to accelerate the development of industry-driven standards where needed for selected CETs.
- Creation of an information and data sharing hub to serve as a central resource for all stakeholders involved in standardization, with information and tools that are tailored to meet the specific needs and priorities of particular CETs.
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