A technology roadmap for the U.S. aluminum industry

By partnering with the OIT, the aluminum industry has taken an important step in planning the technology needs of their industry for the next 20 years. Under the leadership of the Aluminum Association, the industry has become proactive in defining its long-term goals and the technology requirements to meet them. Over the next year, the development of a more detailed aluminum-research agenda will help to realign research in companies, universities, and national laboratories. To ensure that the roadmap responds to customer requirements, the aluminum industry is working to improve its understanding of the technology and research needs of each of its end-use customers. Although the ultimate success of this endeavor may not be known for several years, the aluminum industry-government partnership can serve as an effective model for collaboration efforts in other U.S. industries.