“The public sector also has a role to play in helping smaller companies improve their
innovation processes. One model is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership operated
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which enables small and
medium-sized firms to tap the knowledge of business experts, including innovation
specialists.”
Booz/Allen/Hamilton,
December 2006
Smart Spenders:
The Global Innovation Tool
“…MEP is a valuable resource for small manufacturers...This resource gives small
manufacturers on-target solutions and immediate fixes that allow them to compete
effectively with their larger counterparts.”
Gowher Rizvi, Director of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation,
John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University
“Systematic evaluation studies have confirmed that the MEP is having a positive effect on businesses and the economy…has achieved national coverage and established local service partnerships…and most important…MEP services are leading to desired business and economic goals…”