The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has completed Congressionally directed studies on six emerging technologies critical to U.S. global competitiveness, economic growth, and national security over the next decade. The studies were conducted in coordination with the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission.
The six technology areas covered are:
1. Artificial Intelligence: Rapidly advancing technology with applications in autonomous vehicles, pharmaceutical development, healthcare, and facial recognition.
2. Internet of Things and Internet of Things in Manufacturing: Established technology with diverse marketplace applications.
3. Quantum Computing: Potential to accelerate information processing through quantum mechanical properties, requiring sustained investment for commercialization.
4. Blockchain Technology: Approach to digital recordkeeping with distributed ledgers, applicable in various settings requiring transaction recording and smart contracts.
5. New and Advanced Materials: Materials with novel or enhanced properties suitable for commercial products across multiple industries.
6. Unmanned Delivery Services: Remotely operated, semi- to fully autonomous delivery services with potential applications in various economic sectors.
The studies were prepared by NIST with support from its contractor the Institute for Defense Analyses Science and Technology Policy Institute (IDA STPI). The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) contributed significantly to the Quantum Computing chapter, and the Federal Trade Commission contributed to several chapters. The final reports were submitted for interagency review and clearance through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Keywords: Accelerate, Information, Processing
