ASTM International Chosen to Lead New Standardization Center of Excellence!

ASTM International has been selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to spearhead a Standardization Center of Excellence (SCoE) for critical and emerging technologies (CETs). With a $15 million grant, ASTM, alongside several prominent partners, will support efforts to develop standards that are vital for U.S. competitiveness and national security.

The new center will focus on four key areas: engaging the private sector in pre-standardization activities, developing a workforce pipeline of standards professionals, accelerating standards development for critical CETs, and creating a data hub with resources and tools for stakeholders. The initiative aims to enhance public-private collaboration and ensure U.S. leadership in technology-driven standards.

ASTM International President Andy Kireta expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to lead the SCoE, noting their history of success in managing similar centers of excellence, such as those for additive manufacturing and exo technology. He emphasized that the new center will continue to build on this model by linking technology roadmaps with standards development.

Partners in this effort include ANSI, A3 Association for Advancing Automation, ASME, IEEE, UL Standards and Engagement, CSA Group, Accuris, and Nexight Group. Together, they will work to shape the future of CET standardization, driving innovation and supporting U.S. industries through collaborative efforts.