YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Communities with a strong background in traditional manufacturing need support to adopt new technologies, the Youngstown Business Incubator’s chief operating officer told a Department of Commerce panel Thursday in Washington. 

Barb Ewing urged support for the proposed National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, which she said is “crucial” for such communities. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker hosted the panel discussion.

YBI, this week was named the top university-affiliated incubator in the world by University Business Incubator Index in Sweden, houses America Makes, the pilot for the proposed network. America Makes focuses on additive manufacturing technology. Since America Makes launched two years ago, three more manufacturing innovation hubs have been established.

“What we have seen since the launch of the first NNMI institute in 2012 is that the federal government can serve as a necessary catalyst for success,” Pritzker said in her opening remarks. The network is about “keeping America on the cutting edge of discovery” and its manufacturers, businesses and economy globally competitive, she added. 

In the same way that consumers had to make a choice between the rival videotape formats VHS and Betamax during the 1970s, “Every time there is a new kind of cutting-edge technology, there are going to be winners and losers,” Ewing said. If a company -- especially a small firm -- makes a “bad bet on technology,” that choice “can devastate them,” she continued.

“The NNMI program is an opportunity to support that cost of business.” The “true impact” of the network won’t necessarily be felt by the Lockheed Martins and General Electrics, although they may benefit, but smaller companies “will be profoundly touched by it,” she said.    

Legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI), would establish the network. The legislation, which passed the Senate Commerce Committee in April, awaits a full vote by the U.S. Senate. The U.S. House of Representatives passed companion legislation earlier this week.

“Since the opening of the pilot institutes, the evidence is clear of the tangible results coming from their research and development. That is why RAMI is so crucial,” Pritzker said. “This measure will ensure that NNMI remains a catalyst for manufacturing and regional economic growth; serve as a source of support for industries and innovation; and function as a necessary vehicle to keep our workers, our companies and our economy more competitive in the global landscape.    

Brown said he would call on the Senate to soon pass his legislation.

“Innovation happens on the shop floor,” Brown said. “When American manufacturing moves to other countries, we don’t just lose production – we lose innovation. That’s why it’s so important that we pass this bipartisan bill and focus our strengths toward a common goal: revitalization of American manufacturing and innovation.”

Pictured: Barb Ewing

Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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