UPDATE — SEPTEMBER 2025: Since announcing its $15 million award to ASTM International in October 2024, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has seen major progress with the launch of the Standardization Center of Excellence (SCOE) in spring 2025. Founding partners include ANSI, ASME, IEEE, and UL Standards & Engagement. It marks a unified national effort to strengthen U.S. leadership in international standards for critical and emerging technologies.
The SCOE has already started pilot projects in AI trustworthiness and governance, quantum information security, and biotechnology applications. A standards fellowship program is also underway to train early- and mid-career professionals, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and universities. The center’s work aligns closely with the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (NSSCET) and its Implementation Roadmap. Partnerships now extend into semiconductor, biotech, and AI sectors. With these initiatives in motion, the SCOE’s work has moved from planning to implementation, feeding early results into global standardization discussions.
NIST Awards $15 Million to ASTM International to Establish Standardization Center of Excellence
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced that it has awarded $15 million over a five year period to ASTM International, a global standards organization, to establish a Standardization Center of Excellence. This center will play a key role in bolstering U.S. engagement in international standardization efforts for critical and emerging technologies (CETs), including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and biotechnology.
Building Bridges Across Sectors
The SCOE will serve as a collaborative bridge between industry, academia, and government, promoting international standards that support innovation and global competitiveness. NIST Associate Director for Laboratory Programs Charles Romine emphasized that strong U.S. engagement in the global standards process is essential for ensuring market access and leadership grounded in scientific excellence.
A Public-Private Partnership for Critical Technologies
This first-of-its-kind center represents a public-private partnership between ASTM and key standards bodies, including ANSI, ASME, IEEE, and UL Standards & Engagement. Together, these organizations will combine their expertise to advance workforce training, accelerate standards development, and optimize the U.S. approach to critical and emerging technologies (CETs).
Focus Areas and Strategic Priorities
The center’s mission aligns with the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET). Its work spans four primary areas designed to build national capacity and global influence:
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Pre-Standardization Engagement – Encouraging private-sector participation in global standards, particularly from SMEs and underrepresented groups.
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Workforce Development – Creating a pipeline of professionals prepared to lead standards work in emerging technologies.
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Collaborative Pilot Programs – Accelerating industry-driven standards in partnership with NIST and key stakeholders.
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Information and Data Sharing Hub – Establishing a centralized platform with tools and resources tailored to specific technology sectors.
Strengthening U.S. Leadership in Global Standards
By fostering cooperation among government agencies, private companies, and standards organizations, the SCOE aims to keep U.S. industries at the forefront of technological innovation and global competitiveness. Therefore, the initiative reflects NIST’s long-term vision to ensure that American-developed standards remain the foundation for trust and interoperability.
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