MII 101
In 2012, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) recommended creating a national network of public-private Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs). By partnering with industry, academia, and government, the MIIs aimed to build regional innovation ecosystems for advanced manufacturing and close a critical gap in U.S. policy: the need for robust federal R&D funding with limited support for scaling technologies into domestic production.
The first MII, America Makes, was launched in 2012 in Youngstown, Ohio, focusing on 3D printing/additive manufacturing. Currently, there are eight MIIs sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) across the country.
MIIs play a critical role in helping to define the skills and training needed to meet manufacturers’ future requirements. These efforts include:
- Defining new careers for automation, robotics, AI and data analytics
- Retraining and upskilling the current workforce
- Attracting STEM talent for the future
Each MII has workforce development initiatives, and their education and workforce leaders collaborate with educational institutions and industry partners within their networks to promote manufacturing careers and ensure workers gain the necessary skills for success. They serve as important sources of technical expertise and best practices for professionals at the local and regional levels.
The DoD MII Network
In addition to the eight DoD MIIs, there are complementary institutes that are run by Manufacturing USA for the Departments of Commerce (NIST) and Energy, with the same structure and pedigree.
How to engage with DoD MIIs
Engagement with a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) is most effective when grounded in a clear understanding of the institute’s technical focus, capabilities, and mission. Workforce professionals benefit from assessing how an MII’s technology portfolio and partner ecosystem intersect with local labor-market needs and regional priorities.
Once areas of alignment are identified, outreach to the appropriate MII can help clarify shared objectives and potential value for collaboration. MIIs consistently seek partners who can help expand and scale their training and workforce development initiatives.
Some tips on engaging with an MII:
- Reviewing each MII’s website to understand its technical domain, capabilities, and membership opportunities.
- Subscribing to press releases, newsletters, and social-media updates to stay current on activities, announcements, and emerging initiatives.
- Participating in MII-hosted conferences, workshops, and webinars to gain insight into active programs and ongoing collaboration opportunities.
- Examining membership lists to identify existing connections or organizations with overlapping priorities.
Attending conferences where defense manufacturers and MIIs regularly participate, such as: