White House National S&T Council Addresses Future Artificial Intelligence R&D, Public Policy
As artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to become an increasingly large contributor to future U.S. economic growth, policymakers must be thoughtful about the technology’s implications related to federal R&D strategy, societal benefits, and public policy, according to two recently released reports authored by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
National Nanotech Initiative Strategic Plan Open for Public Comment
The National Science and Technology Council has released a new draft strategic plan for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). NNI, launched in 2001, is a cross-agency initiative to coordinate regulatory and research policies to advance nanotech innovation. The previous plan was released in 2011. NNI is seeking input on its strategic goals, particularly the research challenges addressed by its Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives. The plan is open for public comment through December 18. Download the plan...
White House Climate Plan Seeks to Double Renewable Energy Generation by 2020
This week, President Obama released details of a climate action blueprint that incorporates preparation for future natural disasters as a major component of the plan. Most of the domestic aspects of the plan are to be implemented by executive order, avoiding the complications of the legislative process. Though much of the blueprint centers on the strengthening of American infrastructure, the improvement of the electrical grid and ambitious renewable energy standards, the plan also includes a few mentions of increased federal support for technology development and commercialization.