The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a public-private partnership with centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This episode dives into MEP and the MEP National Network—an initiative that has been a pillar of U.S. manufacturing, offering comprehensive solutions to manufacturers across the country and fueling growth and innovation in the sector.

Joining us for this discussion are two distinguished experts. First, we have Nagesh Rao, the acting director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at NIST. With over 25 years of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Nagesh brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He previously served as Chief Information Officer for the Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce, co-developed federal initiatives like i6 Green and Patents for Humanity, and led crucial technology efforts during the COVID-19 response.

David McFeeters-Krone is a commercialization and business development executive with over 25 years of experience at MIT, NASA-RTTC, Intel, and his own firm. He currently manages a Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) grant, engaging small manufacturers with the ManufacturingUSA institutes. David has reviewed numerous commercialization plans, founded two companies, and serves as an adjunct professor at Portland State University. He has established strategic R&D partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and NIST, and was awarded the Federal Lab Consortium’s Outstanding Service Award in 2008.

In this episode, we’ll explore the MEP National Network’s role in supporting U.S. manufacturers, discuss innovative approaches to growth and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector, and gain valuable insights from Nagesh and David.

In This Episode:

[02:57 ] Nagesh shares how his background has led to innovation in the manufacturing sector.

[03:41 ] Nagesh started my career in technology transfer and commercialization back in 2002 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  

[04:29 ] Coming to the MEP program in 2023 was a full circle journey of his career. He worked in engineering, public policy, the US patent and trademark office, then worked in industry and the national security space.

[05:07 ] He now ensures evidence-based policy decision making at the federal level to support small and medium-sized manufacturers.

[07:10 ] For our country to be competitive from a national security perspective we need a robust manufacturing scene.

[08:20 ] Challenges include keeping up with software demands and having a talented technical workforce.

[10:39 ] The role of MEP in helping small and medium-sized manufacturers navigate these challenges. MEP has a 30-year history of being a trusted advisor. They meet these manufacturers wherever they are.

[11:46 ] Collaboration ensures new technologies make it from the lab to the production floor.

[13:29 ] MEP is perfectly positioned to help companies overcome hurdles especially with connections. The role of the MEP Advanced Technology Team.

[15:11 ] How the MEP supports tech transfer in the manufacturing sector and the role for tech transfer Professionals in this ecosystem. MEP National Network is a network of networks within a greater network of innovation ecosystems across the United States.

[16:10 ] Think of an MEP center as a hub of excellence for a company that is in the business of manufacturing.

[20:08 ] Navigating the complex balance between academia and industry for a mutually beneficial relationship. Communication, culture, and contact.

[22:54 ] David shares examples of successful partnerships that led to significant advancements in manufacturing technology. One of the examples he uses is 3D printed plastic parts to service forms for metal press part making.

[26:02 ] Measuring the success of the MEP manufacturer initiatives. 

[27:04 ] Common pitfalls manufacturers encounter when trying to bring about new technology. Lack of time and not realizing the value of partnerships are common.

[34:00 ] The government has done a tremendous amount of lift for many companies. Large companies know how to use the federal government.

[39:59 ] Predictions for where the MEP is going to go in the next 5 years.

[41:16 ] How making investments to move forward will help in the long run.

[46:49 ]  Advice for getting involved in an MEP Network and supporting local manufacturers includes beginning with connecting with your local center and going to the MEP website on NIST.gov. 

Resources: 

NIST MEP

MEP National Network

Nagesh Rao

David McFeeters-Krone

David McFeeters-Krone LinkedIn