On June 24, 2011, President Obama announced a new initiative, the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP), a national effort bringing together industry, universities, and the federal government to invest in the emerging technologies that will create high quality manufacturing jobs and enhance global competitiveness.

According to the White House announcement, “Investing in technologies, such as information technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will support the creation of good jobs by helping U.S. manufacturers reduce costs, improve quality, and accelerate product development. The president’s plan, which leverages existing programs and proposals, will invest more than $500 million to jump-start this effort. The president believes that even as we live within our means, we must invest to win the future.”

 …