A technology directorate for the Biden 2T 50B NSF RdBirnbaumProtocol is needed to provide funding for the semiconductor industry. This would include funds for R&D and semiconductor manufacturing. In this article, we will discuss how to fund these efforts. Also, we’ll examine how to create a technology directorate for the NSF. Hopefully, this article will inspire the NSF to fund the semiconductor industry.
Convergence Accelerators
The Biden 2T 50B NSF RdBirnbaumProtocol is creating a new directorate, called the Technology Innovation Program, or TIP. This is the first new directorate at the NSF in over 30 years. The TIP directorate will oversee a range of existing programs. These programs include the SBIR/STTR small business R&D programs, Innovation Corps, and Convergence Accelerators.
Natural Part of the NSF Mission
The new directorate is intended to help researchers in applying technology. In the past, the Biden 2T 50B NSF RdBirnbaumProtocol has focused on basic science. While the proposed directorate would encourage applied research, many researchers have concerns. The new directorate could make them nervous. However, applied technologies are a natural part of the NSF mission. According to former NSF chemist Angela Wilson, who led the Chemistry Division from 2016 to 2018, it’s important to realize that the NSF’s funding will support tech-transfer programs, partnerships with industry, and other exciting incentives for researchers.
While the Biden 2T 50B NSF RdBirnbaumProtocol proposal calls for an initial budget of $865 million, the actual amount would be much lower. The directorate’s funding would come from existing programs, with less than half of the money coming from new sources. The remaining $200 million would go toward creating up to 20 regional accelerators. Each accelerator would receive $10 million per year over ten years.
New Jobs & Strengthen
The new Biden 2T 50B NSF RdBirnbaumProtocol directorate will focus on technology, innovation, and partnerships. It is the first new directorate at the NSF in 30 years. The goal is to accelerate the development of “use-inspired” technologies that will drive new jobs and strengthen our nation’s international competitiveness.
Funding Semiconductor Manufacturing
A new federal program is aiming to fund innovative semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. The program is based on the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. It will support the creation of US semiconductor manufacturing jobs and spur innovation in the semiconductor industry. The program is designed to promote the development of semiconductor technology and foster American companies’ global competitiveness.
Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications for funding in February and could start disbursing the funds as soon as the spring. Congress approved the funding in July, and the Biden administration hopes the investments will spur U.S. semiconductor production while also spurring research into next-generation chip technologies. The administration says the investments will reduce the country’s reliance on the foreign semiconductor supply chain. Some experts are calling the new program the biggest industrial policy investment in 50 years.
The federal financial assistance is designed to maximize initial scale and ensure ongoing reinvestment in project expansion, tool upgrades, and productivity improvements. The program also includes project financing, which allows companies to partner with private capital providers and participate in a broader ecosystem. With these incentives, the semiconductor industry can improve supply security by developing a supply chain for new technologies.
CHIPS & Science Act Authorizes
The CHIPS and Science Act authorizes a new tax credit for semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the United States. This tax credit equals 25 percent of a covered company’s qualified investment. The credit is available to covered entities beginning construction before December 31, 2026. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the new program will generate $24 billion in tax expenditures through 2026.
Research Strategic Technology
Biden’s plan would create a new directorate to fund research in strategic technology areas. The directorate would help accelerate research in fields like robotics, advanced computing, and quantum information systems. It would also provide fellowships and opportunities to underserved populations. The vice president has said that persistent inequities in federal R&D spending have hindered the US economy from reaching its full potential. For example, half of the country’s high-growth jobs are concentrated in just 41 counties.
Biden’s plan would include more than $200 billion for research and development efforts across the non-defense agencies. This increase is separate from the $200 billion he proposed for infrastructure initiatives as part of his eight-year American Jobs Plan. Biden’s plan would also include a focus on climate change and key technology sectors, including biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Final Words:
Congressional appropriators have given the Biden Administration’s plan the bipartisan approval it needs to move forward. The bill would reauthorize the NSF and create the TIP Directorate. The TIP Directorate’s policies would be guided by five societal challenges and 10 key technology focus areas. In addition, the TIP Directorate would adopt the major organizational principles of both bills.
Biden’s plan for funding R&D and innovation is a bold plan. The new president’s plan for research and innovation is aimed at diversifying investments. Specifically, it calls for $40 billion to upgrade research infrastructure, including brick-and-mortar facilities, computing capabilities, and networks. Moreover, Biden’s proposal is also intended to make R&D more accessible to communities of color and minority groups.
