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RAMI – which I introduced along with Senator Roy Blunt
(R-MO) – would create a National Network for Manufacturing
Innovation to establish a public-private partnerships
between small businesses, industry leaders, and research
institutions, giving them the tools they need to compete on
a global scale. These regional, industry-led hubs could
create thousands of high-paying, high-tech manufacturing
jobs for next-generation workers. The legislation passed
both the House and Senate last week, and now heads to the
President’s desk for final signature.
The Ohio State University’s (OSU) Center for Emergent
Materials (Center) is a prime example of how collaborative
partnerships can bolster manufacturing. The Center – which
will receive more than $17 million in funding from the
National Science Foundation (NSF) over the next six years –
is part of a network of material science labs across the
country working together to encourage innovation. The Center
also partners with local private enterprises like Lake Shore
Cryotronics in Westerville on research and development to
advance the field of magnetoelectronics. This is the kind of
effort that can collaborate with a National Network of
Manufacturing Innovation.
Earlier this year, the American Lightweight Materials
Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII) – the sort of
National Network for Manufacturing Innovation that will be
created by RAMI – was announced by the Administration.
Co-led by OSU, the University of Michigan, and Columbus’s
Edison Welding Institute, this ALMMII will promote advanced
lightweight materials technology – efforts that will advance
manufacturing, like the technology being developed at the
Center for Emergent Materials. This project is estimated to
create more than 10,000 new jobs in the next five years.
With this investment in our workers and businesses, the
United States will once again lead the world in
manufacturing and innovation.
The first manufacturing network created was America Makes
in Youngstown and President Obama has established other
institutes across the country.
Innovation is key to our nation’s economic competitiveness.
We have the knowledge and expertise right here at home to
lead the world in next-generation manufacturing. I’m proud
of the message that passing RAMI sends: The United States
will not settle for second place when it comes to
manufacturing. Made in the USA is here to stay.
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