About MEP

Research/Reports

The following represent commonly referenced reports and studies in which MEP has either been directly or indirectly involved, or from which MEP has received some guidance. Some were directly commissioned by MEP to investigate trends and challenges in manufacturing. Others were conducted by outside organizations, and feature discussions about MEP within those reports. And others provide more general insights and analysis about manufacturing that have proven valuable to MEP and our partners in strategic planning and operations.

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The Facts About Modern Manufacturing - The 8th edition of the facts gives a snapshot of the state of U.S. manufacturing, and exhibits its strengths and challenges. The facts clearly show that manufacturing continues to play a vital role in the U.S. economy

2005 Hurricane Recovery Efforts- The nationwide MEP network of manufacturing experts and its well-established centers in the five affected states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) were perfectly positioned to immediately mobilize for the development and direction of several innovative projects to help manufacturers rebound and grow in the aftermath of the disruption and destruction caused by the storms.

2008 MEP ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT - A comprehensive overview of the 2008 observations, findings and recommendations of the MEP Advisory Board.

EUREKA! WINNING WAYS: ANALYSIS OF EARLY CLIENT EXPERIENCES - An analysis of the full range of E!WW case studies distilling the lessons learned for both clients and MEP Centers.

LOGIC MODEL AND CASE STUDY DESIGN: EUREKA! WINNING WAYS CLIENT ENGAGEMENT CASE STUDIES - A summary of the methodology used in conducting the case studies..

DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE METRICS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS - An examination of the development, implications and limitations of performance measures gauging the success of individual MEP Centers.

2005 NATIONAL EXPORT STRATEGY - Find out the reasons for the favorable export climate.

RE-EXAMINING THE CORE PREMISE OF THE MEP PROGRAM - Report 1 by a Panel of the National Academy of Public Administration.

ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS MODELS - Report 2 by a Panel of the National Academy of Public Administration

WE SHOW YOU THE MONEY - According to David Forman, Small Times magazine's Associate Editor, data from a recent survey show that employers are putting a premium on technology talent. Tmall Times conducted a compensation survey of micro and nano professionals that revealed an overall trend in higher compensation and expanding job opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH: SUCCESSFUL EXPORT STRATEGIES FOR MANUFACTURING CEOSOS - Stone and Associates conducted research on CEO/executive decision-making strategies and planning related to International sales.

MANUFACTURING IN AMERICA- This 88-page report was released on January 16, 2004, by Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans.

2005 SKILLS GAP REPORT - This report is based on responses from more than 800 manufacturers of all sizes nationwide and is the first new comprehensive survey about the American manufacturing workforce in five years.

MEP AND AMERICA'S COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) recently conducted a survey of the nation's community colleges. The entire survey is available, or you may view the summary of the survey.

THE NATIONAL SUMMIT ON COMPETITIVENESS - The National Summit on Competitiveness has one fundamental and urgent message: if trends in U.S. research and education continue, our nation will squander its economic leadership, and the result will be a lower standard of living for the American people.

US MANUFACTURING INNOVATION AT RISK - Downward trends in U.S. manufacturing innovation pose a serious threat to America's long-term economic growth and living standards, according to a new report released by the Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) and The Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers(NAM).

THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM MANUFACTURERS: CHALLENGES AND POLICY ISSUES - While small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) in the United States are being challenged as never before, they continue to make a vital contribution to the U.S. economy and exhibit numerous competitive strengths. This report identifies 15 best practices that are followed by successful SMMs.

EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION IN U.S. MANUFACTURING ENERGY USE - The NAM has partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy to develop this booklet for manufacturers who want to achieve more strategic control over rising energy costs. Being better energy managers is important not only for each company, but is also an essential component in achieving a low-inflation, high-growth economy. We hope that the opportunities outlined in this booklet will encourage manufacturers to make energy efficiency a part of standard operating procedure.