In April 2025, the Roadmap entered its Phase II stage. NIST began aligning U.S. efforts with ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 on AI trustworthiness, audits, and interoperability, while incorporating updates from the AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.1). A National Standards Fellows Program was launched in partnership with universities to fund graduate students and young experts in global standards forums. Internationally, the U.S. stepped up coalition-building with the EU, Japan, Canada, and Australia on AI, quantum, semiconductors, and bio-manufacturing, countering China’s growing influence at ISO/IEC and ITU. By mid-2025, NIST had also integrated the AI Safety Institute into this strategy, with red-teaming protocols for high-risk AI being proposed as reference standards in global bodies.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
NIST Seeks Public Input to Boost U.S. Leadership in AI and Emerging Technology Standards
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is advancing its strategy for critical and emerging technology standards through a Request for Information (RFI) on existing awards and recognition programs. The initiative aligns with the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET). The RFI, released on October 8, focuses on how existing awards and recognition programs can encourage greater participation in standards development, especially in critical areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
Expanding Stakeholder Participation
NIST’s RFI supports the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET). The strategy aims to boost U.S. influence in global standards bodies by increasing industry and academic participation. The agency encourages input from companies, universities, startups, civil society groups, and technical standards organizations. The feedback will inform the NSSCET Implementation Roadmap, a plan that guides how the United States will strengthen its role in shaping global standards. Through this request, NIST continues ongoing engagement with standards communities and promotes the U.S. model of transparency and open collaboration.
Developing the Next Generation of Standards Leaders
Also, a key goal of the RFI is to recognize early- and mid-career professionals who contribute to standards development. Many stakeholders have argued that recognition programs are critical for improving participation. NIST wants to build a talent pipeline that supports sustained U.S. leadership and encourages more experts to join standards bodies. NIST is also asking for input on how best to improve outreach and education for business and technology decision-makers. When leaders understand how to participate in standards work, organizations can better shape the rules that influence global markets and emerging technologies.
Supporting U.S. Competitiveness and Innovation
The U.S. maintains a distinct standards approach driven by voluntary, decentralized, private-sector leadership. Unlike top-down models used in other nations, the U.S. relies on collaboration between industry and government agencies to define standards that support innovation and competition. Also, the NSSCET Implementation Roadmap builds on this model. It reinforces existing initiatives, such as the American National Standards Institute’s United States Standards Strategy, while expanding efforts to include newer technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials.
Public Comment Period Open Through December 9, 2024
NIST is accepting public comments through December 9, 2024, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. By inviting broad participation, the agency hopes to build a more diverse and inclusive standards ecosystem that reflects U.S. values and strengthens national competitiveness. Also, through recognition programs, workforce development, and expanded collaboration, NIST aims to position the United States at the forefront of standards development for critical and emerging technologies.
Need Help?
You might be concerned or have questions about how to navigate the U.S. or global AI regulatory landscape. Therefore, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Hence, their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
