Research, Innovation and Technology
As modern manufacturing in the U.S. races toward the new economic era and pursues future technologies to lead new operational advances, federal policies must keep up with the industry’s needs, prioritizing both investment and innovation.
AI & Technology
Manufacturers are powering the AI era — and need policy that lets innovation lead.
From the AI-powered factory floor to the data and intellectual property behind every new product, technology is reshaping manufacturing. The NAM is fighting for a light-touch, pro-innovation policy framework — one national standard for AI and data privacy, strong IP protections and resilient cybersecurity — so American manufacturers can lead the world.
Where the NAM stands
A pro-innovation technology agenda
Smart technology policy keeps the U.S. ahead. These are the priorities the NAM is advancing for manufacturers.
A National AI Framework
Innovation needs certainty, not a 50-state patchwork. The NAM champions a single, light-touch national framework for AI — and manufacturers’ priorities are reflected in the White House AI Action Plan.
Federal Data Privacy
One clear national privacy standard — not 50 conflicting state laws. The NAM endorsed the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s comprehensive federal privacy bill.
Protect Intellectual Property
Strong IP rights are the engine of manufacturing innovation. The NAM defends inventors against march-in price controls under Bayh-Dole and misguided “right to repair” mandates that erode IP and safety.
Strengthen Cybersecurity
Manufacturers need a coherent national cyber strategy — including reauthorization of CISA 2015 and workable, non-duplicative incident-reporting rules — to defend the factory floor and the supply chain.
Win the Advanced-Manufacturing Race
A national strategic plan for advanced manufacturing, sustained R&D and the AI-powered factory of the future — keeping the U.S. ahead in the technologies that matter most.
Smart, Balanced Tech Regulation
Rebalance tech rules so emerging technologies — from AI to connected and autonomous vehicles — strengthen, rather than hamstring, U.S. manufacturing leadership.
Manufacturers’ impact
Shaping the rules of the AI era
Manufacturers are at the table on every major technology debate — and it’s making a difference.
“We applaud the administration’s approach toward avoiding a 50-state patchwork that would prevent America from winning the global AI race.” — National Association of Manufacturers
Source: NAM Technology Policy submissions and newsroom, 2025–2026.
In action
Driving the technology agenda
From the White House to Capitol Hill, manufacturers are shaping how the U.S. governs AI, data and innovation.
- 2025The NAM submits manufacturers’ AI priorities to the White House AI Action Plan — and the final plan reflects them.
- December 2025A federal executive order advances a national framework for state AI laws, a long-standing NAM goal.
- March 2026The White House releases a legislative framework for artificial intelligence.
- April 2026The NAM endorses the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s comprehensive federal data-privacy bill.
- 2026The NAM weighs in on cybersecurity (CISA 2015 reauthorization, the national Cyber Strategy) and a national strategic plan for advanced manufacturing.
Help manufacturers lead the AI era
The technologies of tomorrow are being built on the factory floor today. Add your voice to the policies that will keep American manufacturing in the lead.
