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 Welcome, Product Innovators
The work of innovators in the home manufacturing industry provides a link between new research ideas and the materials and methods that homebuilders use. From the Nation's largest producers of windows, timber, and fixtures to the small businesses that create new gadgets and techniques, all manufacturers are integral to the housing technology development process.
To strengthen the link between the research laboratory and the home construction site, and to foster practical innovations on all fronts, PATH has developed several programs for product manufacturers. PATH addresses product development issues by working directly with firms, through competitive grants, or by leveraging resources. PATH shares all this information so that new technologies enter the housing construction market more easily.
PATH TOOLS
Background Research
PATH encourages the development of knowledge about housing applications.
Standards and Metrics research
PATH supports major studies to judge the capacities and characteristics of new and existing technologies through partnerships with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Applied Research
PATH works with government research laboratories to develop unbiased data on housing technologies, bridging the gap between broader background knowledge and performance of developed technologies.
Technology Development
PATH supports technology development through agreements with trade associations and research groups.
Regulatory Preparation
PATH developed resources to ensure that outdated building codes do not keep a product from entering the marketplace.
Technology Identification
PATH's Technology Inventory identifies emerging technologies in a wide range of categories to facilitate their speedy market introduction.
Technology Stories
Builder's success stories gathered by PATH to demonstrate the use of new housing technologies.
Technology Roadmapping
PATH program to identify new housing technologies and aid in their development.
Technology Forecasting
PATH works to keep the homebuilding industry informed of global technological changes by monitoring relevant sectors and forecasting potential applications.
Technology Review
Analyses of commercialized technologies that have (or have not) significantly penetrated the market.
- HUD Publications
Roadmapping publications
PATH Technology Roadmap publications review recommended starting points for planning Federal and private-sector R&D; investments focused on key industry needs.
OTHER TOOLS
Product Development and Management Association (PDMA)
Volunteer-run organization with a mission to improve the effectiveness of people engaged in developing and managing new products.
Manufactured Housing Research Association (MHRA)
MHRA has been leading PATH research on manufactured homes since 1999.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy research & development.
- Information and Funding Resources
2002 Innovative Housing Technology Award Application
The NAHB Research Center and Popular Science magazine offer the second annual Innovative Housing Technology Awards program, designed to recognize significant breakthroughs in housing products and systems.
PATHCoRP
PATHCoRP grants will stimulate the development of innovative housing technologies that can be rapidly introduced into new products designed to further PATH's goals.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Federal program that provides approximately $1 billion annually to American small businesses for early-stage R&D; projects.
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)
Joint program of the National Science Foundation and several U.S. states and territories to promote the development of states' science and technology resources through partnerships involving universities, industry, government, and the Federal R&D; enterprise.
- Associations and Groups
NAHB Research Center
Research arm of the National Association of Home Builders.
The Association for Manufacturing Technology
Trade association dedicated to supporting and enhancing the activities of American manufacturers.
National Association of Manufacturers
Trade association dedicated to supporting the Manufacturing industry.
Arcat
Rich source of information, with over 300,000 pages of Building Material Information including Specs and CAD Details.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Description of this national association devoted exclusively to the merit shop philosophy.
APA-The Engineered Wood Association
Description of the research and development activities of this organization dedicated to helping the industry create structural wood products of exceptional strength, versatility, and reliability.
National Concrete Masonry Association
Online resources for the concrete and masonry industry.
Manufactured Housing Institute
Description of the activities of the institute as well as specific information for consumers, developers, building practitioners, and the media on all aspects of manufactured housing.
Portland Cement Association
Resources for the cement industry, including a discussion of programs and activities dedicated to market development, education, research, technical services, and government affairs on behalf of members.
American Iron and Steel Institute
Description of the goals and activities of this civil engineering membership organization.
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Content updated on 1/22/2002
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Partnership for Advancing
Technology in Housing (PATH)
451 7th Street, SW, Rm. 8134
Washington, DC 20410-0001
Telephone: 202 708-4370 Fax: 202 708-5873
E-mail: pathnet@pathnet.org |
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