Legal Definitions - Department of Commerce (DOC)

The Department of Commerce (DOC) is a key executive agency of the U.S. federal government. Its central mission is to foster, serve, and promote economic development, technological innovation, and sustainable growth across the United States. The DOC works to create conditions that enable American businesses to thrive, both domestically and internationally, through various activities such as collecting vital economic data, setting technical standards, promoting international trade, and supporting scientific research.

Here are some examples illustrating the work of the Department of Commerce:

• Supporting Business Expansion with Data: Imagine a startup company planning to launch a new manufacturing facility in a specific region of the U.S. To make an informed decision, they need detailed information about the local workforce, consumer demographics, and economic trends. The U.S. Census Bureau, an agency within the DOC, collects and publishes a vast array of demographic and economic data. This data helps businesses understand potential markets, identify suitable locations, and make strategic investment decisions, thereby fostering economic development.

• Facilitating International Trade: Consider an American company that produces specialized agricultural machinery and wants to export its products to new markets in Southeast Asia. They might face challenges understanding foreign regulations, finding reliable distributors, or navigating customs procedures. The International Trade Administration (ITA), a bureau within the DOC, provides resources, market intelligence, and advocacy to help U.S. businesses overcome these hurdles, connect with international buyers, and expand their global sales. This directly promotes economic development by boosting American exports and creating jobs.

• Advancing Technological Standards: Picture a scenario where engineers are developing the next generation of artificial intelligence systems for self-driving cars. For these systems to be safe, reliable, and interoperable across different manufacturers, common standards for data exchange, testing protocols, and performance metrics are essential. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency under the DOC, plays a crucial role in developing and promoting measurement standards and technology. NIST's work in this area ensures that new technologies can be developed and integrated effectively, directly contributing to technological advancement and innovation.