As we outlined during the January 2013 MEP System meeting in St. Louis, we are committing to regular communications about the progress and efforts around updating NIST MEP's strategic framework, moving to Center 5-year plans, and the concept of the Collaboratory. In that spirit, I want to update you on some of the activities we have been doing since the system meeting.
First, we have been working on capturing all the "Ask Roger" questions. These questions and responses are available on the submissions section at MEIS . If you have additional questions, please contact your Regional Manager.
In addition, we have been reviewing the comments and feedback shared during the table discussions. Several themes emerged from the discussions around the major concepts presented. These include:
NIST MEP Strategy / Growth Framework
- The framework shows integration, broad picture, clear linkages.
- Use the system data to understand what is selling and what is not.
- Cross walk products and services into new strategies. If a service is being dropped, be clear and open about it.
Center 5-Year Plans
- A 5-year plan may be too far out. It would need to be updated periodically.
- Boards, universities, state funders all give different directions that need to be considered.
- Allow centers to be bold and not to be punished for not meeting aggressive targets. Need to allow for failure.
Collaboratory
- A robust and effective knowledge sharing / best practices approach is needed.
- Need the ability to communicate or understand “failure” for learning purposes or what was the key to success.
- Need the opportunity for cross-center learning, regardless of regions.
We also heard that additional clarity and definitions are needed to fully understand the NIST MEP strategic objectives focused on:
- Growing U.S. Manufacturers
- Strong U.S. Manufacturing
- Successful MEP Centers
- Collaborative MEP Network of Centers
- National Program Office
We are working on developing the attributes and definitions around these objectives and as they are finalized will be sharing them with you. I will be sending monthly updates, sharing the latest on our progress in developing the NIST Strategic Plan and Growth Framework, Center 5-year plans and the Collaboratory. We will also soon be scheduling the summer regional meetings and system webcasts where I will also be providing updates and additional information.
I look forward to continuing the discussions started in January and using input and feedback from the MEP system as we shape the NIST Strategic Plan, develop the content for the Collaboratory and begin to work with you on the elements of the Center 5-year plans.
As a reminder, all the materials presented during the January 2013 MEP System meeting are available on the MEIS webpage.
Sincerely,
