The publication compiles a variety of articles on NMPM, a complex and rapidly evolving subject area, that were developed by ITC staff as part of their ongoing research and published individually in previous issues of the Industry, Trade, and Technology Review, a quarterly publication of the ITC Office of Industries. Most articles included in the staff research study have been updated to reflect recent developments.

The research study was prepared by ITC staff. The findings included in the publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. International Trade Commission or any of the Commissioners.

The staff research presented in the publication examines several different NMPM in various stages of development and commercialization; factors affecting adoption of NMPM; benefits and drawbacks as compared with conventional processes; industries and companies involved and interactions between them; the role of the government in commercialization; and the extent of adoption of new processes in the United States and foreign countries. Principal findings include:

• NMPM cover a wide assortment of materials and applications and are used to produce both conventional and advanced materials.

• The automobile sector is a primary target market for the materials produced using new processes. This is because this sector is one of the largest consumers of metal, ceramic, and polymer materials, and the industry is attempting to improve efficiency and minimize the environmental effects of its products.

• There is a significant emphasis on processes to produce composites for example, combining metal and ceramic material to produce a substance that has the advantageous properties of both.

• Foreign competitors are undertaking initiatives to commercialize NMPM, underscoring the importance of U.S. industry efforts to develop and commercialize NMPM.

• Environmental issues, such as pollution avoidance and energy saving, are driving the development of many NMPM.

• Commercialization is a formidable task with substantial economic, technical, and other barriers.

• Collaboration and cooperation are important factors in developing NMPM, both between companies and between governments and industries, and are considered key strategies by certain industry segments or individual firms for overcoming commercialization barriers.

Commercialization of New Manufacturing Processes for Materials (Staff Research Study Number 22, USITC publication 3100, April 1998) will be available on the ITC's Internet server at www.usitc.gov. The study will also be available at regional federal depository libraries in the United States. To request a printed copy, contact the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be faxed to 202-205-2104.