The article discusses a speech by NIST Director and Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, Dr. James K. Olthoff, at the ANSI Joint Member Forum/Evolving Standardization Landscape Summit during World Standards Week. Key points:
1. Dr. Olthoff emphasizes the importance of the U.S. private-sector led standards system in driving innovation, economic growth, and technological leadership. He highlights his 30-year career at NIST in supporting this system.
2. Ensuring U.S. leadership in international standards development is a top priority for NIST. Dr. Olthoff discusses the development of a U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies, which will build on existing strengths while addressing rapid technological change and global competition, particularly from China.
3. NIST is committed to collaborating closely with industry, ANSI members, and international partners to execute this strategy. Public-private engagement events like roundtables and webinars will be essential.
4. On the semiconductor front, NIST’s activities under the CHIPS and Science Act will be transformative. Expanding NIST’s role in measurement science, technical R&D, and standards will help ensure U.S. industry can compete globally in this critical sector.
5. Dr. Olthoff expresses optimism about the work ahead and gratitude for the opportunity to speak with the group, stating that together they will keep the United States at the forefront of international standards development and help ensure U.S. industries remain globally competitive.
Keywords: Standards, Chips, Semiconductors
