Shaping Science & Technology to Serve National Security

Potomac Institute For Policy Studies, Arlington VA

Investigators

Abstract

OIA-0236908 Richardson Funding is provided to the Potomac Institute For Policy Studies to conduct a study to define and document likely S&T trends and their impacts on national security over the next 20 years. In order to address the goal the following questions will be addressed: -What S&T trends are most likely to yield products to benefit national security? -What S&T trends are likely to pose dangers to our society? -How are the important trends likely to evolve and what indicators will herald new and significant capabilities or threats? -Who will be the most likely producer of the necessary capabilities and threats? -Are there roadblocks in the way of scientific or technological progress that may deter these capabilities and threats? At least six S&T areas will be examined during the conduct of this project: Advanced Materials; Nanotechnology; Life Sciences; Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences; Energy; and Information Technology. The results of this study will feed into a larger study (under multi-agency sponsorship) aimed at suggesting ways to improve the quality of science and technology information involved in making decisions on S&T-laden issues at the national security level. This will significantly enhance the nation's ability to develop strategies and policies on issues with important scientific and technical content.