This proposal is to conduct a workshop to identify the top priority topics for innovative research relative to the technology of the system of manufacturing which should be pursued under a proposed Strategic Manufacturing Research Initiative. This workshop was recommended by a previous workshop held in 1986 to explore the appropriateness of this new initiative. Eighty to one-hundred participants are to be invited, representing industry, academia, and government. This workshop will attempt to reach a consensus as to the top six priority research subjects, ranked in order of priority. These research subjects will be the focus of the proposed initiative whose goal is to move top priority manufacturing technology frontiers ahead in large jumps through major innovations. This proposed "Strategic Manufacturing Research Initiative" should lead to improved competitiveness of the USA in manufacturing. The proposed workshop is expected to provide NSF valuable information to aid in program planning.
