Earlier this month, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released the Quadrennial Science and Technology Review (QSTR), providing a high-level overview of ongoing science and technology efforts across the federal government. The report, required in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, underscores the foundational role of federally funded research.
The report calls for robust federal research and development to create a resilient, ambitious America that is competitive and filled with opportunity. While inspiring, it is important to note that in fiscal year 2024, the National Science Foundation (NSF) received a significant cut – 5 to 8 percent, depending on how you calculate supplemental funds. According to the document, industry accounts for the largest and fastest growing portion of America’s research and development investments. It also found that almost all federally funded development is for specific military and space systems, primarily in the Department of Defense. This begs the question of how industry funding for development outside of these areas might influence decisions.
The document claims major successes. In addition to the CHIPS and Science Act, including the introduction of the Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate and new digital infrastructure social science surveys, the report celebrates the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency in Health (ARPA-H).
Looking ahead, Section III, People at the Heart of U.S. Innovation, presents plans for cultivating a robust and diverse science and technology workforce and developing partnerships and ecosystems. Research to Achieve America’s Aspirations, Section IV, identifies four primary ‘aspirations’: Protecting National Security, Addressing the Climate Crisis, Improving Health Outcome, and Harnessing the Power of AI. Behavioral and cognitive sciences serve all four of these aspirations. FABBS will be working to leverage our disciplines to serve these goals in collaboration with the broad scientific community.
