Report urges US funding boost for NSF's TIP amid China's rising R&D investments

Report urges US funding boost for NSF's TIP amid China's rising R&D investments

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Robert D. Atkinson President at Information Technology and Innovation Foundation | Official website

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China's research and development investment has grown significantly faster than that of the United States from 2019 to 2023, according to a report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). This growth suggests China may have surpassed U.S. R&D spending based on projections. The ITIF is urging Congress to allocate at least $1 billion this fiscal year to fully fund the National Science Foundation’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnership (TIP) program.

“Given China’s massive investment in advanced technologies, the amount Congress has appropriated so far for the TIP program is just a drop in the bucket,” said ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson. “America can’t afford to let a key technological competitiveness program falter. Congress should fully fund TIP before it’s too late.”

The NSF’s TIP directorate, established in 2022, aims to commercialize use-inspired research in key areas like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Despite its potential impact, it has received only a small portion of its promised funding.

As part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, Congress authorized $20 billion for TIP over five years—$4 billion annually—but only $410 million has been appropriated so far. Meanwhile, China's R&D spending grew at an annual rate of 8.9 percent from 2019 to 2023 compared to just 4.7 percent in the U.S., with adjusted costs indicating China's total could be more than double that of America.

To fulfill its mission of promoting commercially relevant research, each TIP-funded project must involve an industry partner and focus on technologies with immediate commercial or national security importance.

The ITIF report highlights some early successes of TIP despite limited resources: launching regional innovation programs, supporting workforce development, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in key technologies, and forming partnerships with other federal agencies as well as allies like India and Japan. However, due to budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency and a hiring freeze, TIP's workforce decreased by 45 percent this year.

“TIP has distinguished itself from legacy NSF directorates as a potential leading voice in U.S. technology commercialization,” stated Meghan Ostertag from ITIF. “But with just 10 percent of its intended budget and a smaller team it cannot deliver on its mandate.”

In light of China's advancements in strategic technologies such as AI or biotech fields—which are critical gaps within America's current innovation ecosystem—the report calls for increased funding towards closing these disparities through initiatives like fully financing TIPS programs:

Boosting appropriations up-to $1-billion-dollar mark annually until reaching full authorization level set forth under CHIPS Act; lifting hiring freezes; restoring staffing levels accordingly would allow continued progress without interruption

Encouraging international collaboration among allied nations while excluding adversarial countries ensures streamlined diplomatic processes benefiting joint scientific efforts across borders

Conducting biennial reviews evaluating performance metrics against original goals maintains accountability transparency amongst stakeholders involved throughout duration project lifecycle

“America’s commitment towards sustaining future innovations remains threatened if proposed budget reductions take effect," warned Atkinson further emphasizing necessity ensuring proper allocation resources necessary maintaining competitive edge globally speaking amidst ever-changing landscape technological advancements occurring worldwide today."

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