FAQ

What is measurement?

• The process of assigning a number to an attribute according to a rule or set of rules.

Why is measurement critical to innovation?

• U.S. industry requires advanced measurement capabilities to innovate the next generation products and processes.
• Acceleration of innovation is critical for the U.S. to maintain its competitive edge in the world economy.
• Advanced measurements are required in anticipation of future innovative products.
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What is the United States Measurement System (USMS)?

• All private and public organizations that develop, supply, use or insure the validity of measurement needs.

How does the USMS fit in the nation’s innovation ecosystem?

• Viewing the USMS as part of a Innovation Ecosystem, the base foundation must fully support the measurement and technology solutions above it.
• The USMS forms the foundation of an innovation infrastructure.

• The innovation ecosystem promotes competitive products and a strong economy.

What does the USMS Office do?

• Identify and foster efforts to address the nation’s unmet Measurement Needs
• Provide measurement knowledge Resources to solution providers.
• Conduct focused analysis of unmet measurement needs in science and industry.
• Accelerate innovation.
  

What will the USMS Office do to promote innovation?

• Provide accessibility to Measurement Needs, solutions and other knowledge.
• Develop and implement enhanced methodologies to assess the USMS.
• Facilitate action on the part of both measurement solution providers and users.

What is the Measurement Knowledge Hub?

• A dynamic web-based information repository and communication catalyst for the USMS Online Community.

How will the Measurement Knowledge Hub help U.S. Industry?

• By providing measurement information to make better informed strategic decisions and to fully understand customer needs.

What user tools are available at http://usms.nist.gov to facilitate strategic decision making?

• Searchable databases of Measurement Needs coupled with tools to mine the data.
• Access to technology roadmaps.
• Discussion Forums.
• Assessment methodologies.
• Assessment Reports.