Endless Frontier Act

Endless Frontier Act

This bill establishes a Directorate for Technology and Innovation in the National Science Foundation (NSF) and establishes various programs and activities.

The goals of the directorate shall be, among other things, the strengthening of U.S. leadership in critical technologies through basic research in key technology focus areas, such as artificial intelligence, high performance computing, and advanced manufacturing, and the commercialization of those technologies to businesses in the United States.

The bill gives the NSF the authority to provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information within the United States concerning the NSF’s activities and the results of those activities.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall annually develop a strategy for the federal government to improve national competitiveness in science, research, and innovation to support the national security strategy.

The Department of Commerce shall (1) establish a supply chain resiliency and crisis response program to address supply chain gaps and vulnerabilities in critical industries, (2) designate regional technology hubs to facilitate activities that support regional economic development that diffuses innovation around the United States, and (3) award grants to facilitate development and implementation of comprehensive regional technology strategies.

The bill extends through FY2026 the Manufacturing USA Program and expands such program to support innovation and growth in domestic manufacturing.

The Endless Frontier Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 2731, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of boosting American competitiveness in key technological and scientific fields. The bill seeks to invest $100 billion over five years in research and development in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology.

The Endless Frontier Act proposes the establishment of a new Directorate for Technology and Innovation within the National Science Foundation, which would be responsible for funding research projects and initiatives aimed at advancing US technological capabilities. The bill also calls for the creation of regional technology hubs to promote collaboration between industry, academia, and government in developing cutting-edge technologies.

In addition to funding research and development, the Endless Frontier Act includes provisions to strengthen US supply chains in critical industries, enhance workforce training programs in emerging technologies, and promote diversity and inclusion in the STEM fields. The bill also aims to address national security concerns related to technological competition with countries like China. Overall, the Endless Frontier Act represents a bipartisan effort to invest in America's technological future and ensure that the US remains a global leader in innovation. The bill has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as from industry leaders and academic institutions.