PCAST Examines Homeland Security S&T, Broadband and US R&D Investment

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) drafted and approved four reports in 2002. Three of those reports are now available online at http://www.ostp.gov/PCAST/pcast2002rpt.html. Each report was submitted to President Bush and is briefly synopsized below.

Building Out Broadband

This report reviews the current standing of broadband demand and advocates policies that would aid the economic revival of information technology sectors. The report stresses the significant role that broadband technology plays in continuing growth and leadership of the U.S. high-tech sector. Steps are identified that the Administration should consider to aid the removal of barriers to timely broadband deployment. The following recommendations are issued:

• Continue emphasis on R&D in distance education and classroom technologies and collaboration with the private sector to exploit broadband technologies;
• Support telework and analyze how broadband can enable and expand the flexibility of these opportunities;
• Support telemedicine and expand coordination among agencies and explore obstacles to improving the quality and reducing the cost of healthcare through broadband;
• Ensure that the E-Government Initiative recognizes the full potential of broadband applications. Sound investments in federal broadband applications may also reduce costs for broadband facilities economy-wide;
• Enhance homeland security through sharing critical information among federal and local agencies and first responders by developing broadband connectivity;
• Facilitate wireless broadband applications including wireless home networks; and,
• Encourage public rights-of-way policies that support the benefits of broadband and fair compensation.

Assessing the U.S R&D Investment

Based on the recommendations of a panel on Federal Investment in Science and Technology and Its National Benefits, this report analyzes the historical aspects, covering approximately the last 25 years, of investments in science and technology at the federal level. Three main recommendations are provided to address potential issues:

• Improve funding levels for the physical sciences and engineering;
• Establish a major program of fellowships to attract and support the advanced graduate studies of U.S. citizens in science and engineering fields that support critical national needs; and,
• Assess and analyze the adequacy of federal R&D investments in light of national interests.

Recommendations are based on concerns that arose out of discussions and meetings. They include: federal funding as compared to GDP continues to decline, private sector R&D investments are generally of a different nature than federal support, federal funding for physical sciences and engineering benefits all scientific disciplines, federal funding for science and engineering students enhance economic growth, and international competition is stronger than ever.

Report on Maximizing the Contribution of Science and Technology within the New Department of Homeland Security

PCAST provides recommendations regarding the organizational structure, focus and operation of the R&D venture within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report calls for an Under Secretary of Science and Technology that would directly report to the Secretary of the Homeland Security. Coordinating councils are recommended to be established to facilitate the cooperation between federal agencies and also between federal, state and local governments. Industry, academia and other government research and development organizations should be encouraged to collaborate with the DHS. The report suggests operational aspects as well, including which agencies should be transferred to the DHS and what criteria should be used in this transfer. Two important questions to be asked include: determining the needs and priorities of the new department and what is and what is not available to the department. Other operational concerns addressed include oversight, external R&D programs, the importance of the adaptive nature of the DHS and risk assessment and management.