National Science Foundation requests input for potential updates to its key technology focus areas

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is requesting information from the public to help shape potential future updates to its Key Technology Focus Areas (KTFAs). NSF’s KTFAs directly influence and shape innovation- and economic development-related programs. For example, KTFAs have been important factors in the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) and NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines (Engines) programs which require regions to advance a critical technology area that already has traction in their region.

Comments are due on or before 11:59 p.m. EST on July 21, 2025. For information on how and where to submit comments, refer to the official request for information here.

While the above programs support regions advancing a critical technology area already present in their region, identifying such areas is often challenging for proposers to programs like these. Recognizing this, SSTI has recently updated a data tool with data through the first half of 2025, which includes two interactive visuals that can aid in identifying the critical technologies in potential applicants’ geographic locations.

This article was prepared by SSTI using Federal funds under award ED22HDQ3070129 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.