WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 — (PRNewswire) — The following is a statement from NASA Associate Administrator for Space Technology Michael Gazarik about Thursday's announcement from the Obama Administration that it is launching competitions to create three new manufacturing innovation institutes supported by five federal agencies -- NASA, the National Science Foundation and the departments of Defense, Energy, and Commerce.

"The president's announcement today of three new Manufacturing Innovation Institutes continues the momentum needed to address a crucial competitiveness challenge – the need to close the gap between research and development activities and the deployment of technological innovations that benefits American manufacturers and American-made goods.

"Through NASA's ongoing participation in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, we are assuring the aerospace community, and all American manufacturers, have access to the new knowledge and technology capabilities that are essential for turning research discoveries, inventions and new ideas into better or novel products. Advanced manufacturing, for and in space, holds great promise for NASA as we move forward with our exploration efforts.

"The new technology economy of the 21st century is driven by innovation. This is why NASA has been fully engaged with our partners in the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute in Youngstown, Ohio. We look forward to working with the other stakeholders in these new institutes, recognizing they will provide the fuel for America's innovation engine. NASA is proud to help keep that engine running."

For more information about the new manufacturing innovation institutes, visit:

http://1.usa.gov/15NKzjX

For more information about NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech

SOURCE NASA

Contact:

NASA Web: http://www.nasa.gov