NSF Seeks Input to Develop an Investment Roadmap

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Help NSF create a strategic plan to drive future U.S. technology competitiveness, and societal and economic impacts.

The U.S. National Science Foundation today issued a Request for Information, or RFI, to gather insights for the development of an investment roadmap for its Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, or TIP, in accordance with the “CHIPS and Science Act” of 2022.

“Recent history has shown us that with clear goals, dedicated resources and cross-sector collaboration, we can achieve the unimaginable,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “Through the creation of a roadmap informed by thoughtful and diverse contributors, we can strategically advance key technology areas, address societal and economic challenges, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness for generations to come.”

NSF seeks feedback from individuals and organizations across all sectors — industry, academia, nonprofits, government, venture capital, civil society and others — on prioritizing and focusing TIP investments to advance U.S. technological competitiveness and address societal and economic needs as well as workforce gaps through use-inspired and translational research, public and private partnerships, and crosscutting investments.

The “CHIPS and Science Act” tasks the TIP directorate with developing a roadmap to guide investment decisions in use-inspired and translational research over a three-year time frame to advance U.S. competitiveness and develop the U.S. workforce in 10 critical technology areas and to address societal, national and geostrategic challenges in five areas listed below.

Critical technology focus areas

  1. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy and related advances.
  2. High-performance computing, semiconductors, and advanced computer hardware and software.
  3. Quantum information science and technology.
  4. Robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing.
  5. Natural and anthropogenic disaster prevention or mitigation.
  6. Advanced communications technology and immersive technology.
  7. Biotechnology, medical technology, genomics and synthetic biology.
  8. Data storage, data management, distributed ledger technologies and cybersecurity, including biometrics.
  9. Advanced energy and industrial efficiency technologies, such as batteries and advanced nuclear technologies, including but not limited to for the purposes of electric generation.
  10. Advanced materials science, including composite 2D materials, other next-generation materials and related manufacturing technologies.

Societal, national and geostrategic challenge areas

  1. U.S. national security.
  2. U.S. manufacturing and industrial productivity.
  3. U.S. workforce development and skills gaps.
  4. Climate change and environmental sustainability.
  5. Inequitable access to education, opportunity or other services.

NSF seeks feedback on suitability and appropriate staging of specific technology areas for TIP investments as well as on related workforce needs. To learn more and submit feedback for NSF review, respond to the RFI by July 27, 2023.