The American Industrial Extension Alliance (AIEA) has as its primary purpose the modernization of American manufacturing. Founded in 1992 by nearly two dozen state industrial extension groups, AIEA seeks to raise the visibility of its members and promote their capabilities within state and federal government agencies.

AIEA believes that federal manufacturing programs should build on existing industrial extension efforts that have a proven track record of providing high benefit-to-cost results. In the broad picture, AIEA knowledge and experience can assist in relevant public policy matters. On the local level, the expertise of its members can enhance the competitiveness of domestic industry.