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Science and TechnologyThroughout his campaign, President Donald Trump was largely silent about his views on science, technology and innovation. This uncertainty has left the science and technology community scrambling to scrutinize tweets, pore over published plans and read between the lines of campaign promises. Trump “landing teams” have spread out across Federal agencies, asking questions, surveying the landscape, and making employees nervous. Typical for changes in Administration, advisory white papers and reams of recommendations on science and technology are swirling around town.

Uncertainty Reigns – But Opportunities Abound

First, the uncertainties:

OSTP WebsiteIn addition to concerns about the new administration’s rejection of climate change science, the science and technology community is concerned that the Trump Administration will embrace the Heritage Foundation’s Blueprint for a New Administration, which calls for eliminating Federal spending on research, development and demonstration of new technologies in the energy sector, the Department of Energy (DOE) offices that oversee these programs, NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the “Manufacturing USA” innovation network.

Then there’s the issue of who will lead the science and technology agencies. As if demonstrating the uncertainty, the homepage of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy website was replaced with a picture of an empty lectern following the departure of John Holdren, President Obama’s Science Advisor. Two names have surfaced to stand at that lectern in the new Administration, both of whom have met with Trump recently: Yale Computer Science Professor and parallel processing pioneer David Gelernter, and Princeton Physicist William Happer, who excelled at previous posts including director of DOE’s Office of Energy Research. Secretary of Energy-designate Rick Perry—who as a Presidential candidate promised to shut down DOE— said at his confirmation hearings that he changed his mind, and sang the praises of our “crown jewel” national labs, exascale computing and nano-photonics.

Another major area of uncertainty is how President Trump will work with conservatives on Capitol Hill on science and technology policy, and R&D investment. Historically, conservatives have promoted technology policies in line with free market principles, and generally have opposed an expanded role of government in developing technologies with commercial potential as “industrial policy” by which government rather than the marketplace “picks winners and losers.” However, President Trump is a disruptor and lacks ties to the policies that have governed the Federal role in science and technology. Perhaps the President will take a fresh approach to promoting American innovation, which could shake up the current order in a positive way.

The Opportunities – Trends to Watch

During the ongoing transition to the new Administration, Federal agencies continue their work in science and technology, and it is important to recognize that there are opportunities even in this period of uncertainty, if you know where to look.

  • President Trump’s focus on infrastructure creates a potential opportunity for a wide range of technology related projects. However, it will be critical to ensure that building state-of-the-art infrastructure does not give way to fixing potholes. Technologies related to clean water, fresh water and broadband technologies are areas to watch.
  • The goal of building a stronger military may drive new investment in defense science and technology.
  • In today’s constrained budget environment, President Trump may seek to prioritize Federal investments in research. He has expressed general support for the Federal role in long-term research and development, particularly in academia.
  • In his confirmation hearing, Secretary of Commerce-designate Wilbur Ross recognized the importance of semiconductors, saying they are “building blocks.”
  • Secretary-designate Ross also expressed interest in “Manufacturing USA,” saying he had heard only “good reports” about the program, and that this program appears to be in line with the new president’s goal of increasing U.S. manufacturing.
  • President Trump has expressed a positive view of a federal role in space exploration.
  • The president seeks to make the United States energy independent as soon as possible, and indicates that energy independence includes developing every energy source.
  • Corporate tax and regulatory reform could be tremendously beneficial for entrepreneurs, high-tech start-ups, small businesses and U.S. manufacturers.
  • The principles of “Buy American, Hire American” may impact federal procurement, although some “Buy American” policies may be scrutinized for violation of WTO and other international agreements.

Despite the current uncertainty about the direction of Federal science and technology policy in the new Administration, one thing is quite clear: President Trump is focused on creating jobs and growing the economy. Science and technology have delivered 50 percent of U.S. long-term economic growth over several decades and, therefore, should be a cornerstone of the Trump Administration’s economic agenda.

Meanwhile, senior career executives who are program managers will continue to exert influence over program and funding directions.

As the Trump agenda develops and unfolds, the winners will be those companies and organizations that engage in the policy making process in the coming weeks and months – that is, those who shift into action as soon as possible to help shape those policies.

TechVision21’s team members have been through many Presidential transitions, and have deep and broad experience in helping clients identify and seize opportunities like these. It is crucial to advocate for your interests now, while the direction of science and technology in the new Trump Administration is evolving, as subcabinet appointees take their places, and as the new Administration and Congress work together on budget initiatives.


Kelly Carnes is President and CEO of TechVision21, an award-winning woman-owned business strategy firm based in Washington, D.C. that focuses on advancing clients’ technology initiatives and interests, and helping companies identify and pursue Federal funding and business opportunities. TechVision21 clients include Fortune 500 companies, cutting-edge technology start-ups, Federal and state agencies, coalitions and consortia, universities, economic developers and non-profit organizations. www.techvision21.com.

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