Global competition in science and technology is fierce. To continue to keep the nation secure, we must invest in accelerating breakthrough technologies, transitioning these technologies to the market, and preparing Americans for better-quality, higher-wage jobs, including through reskilling and upskilling. This is the work of the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP).
Over the past two years, NSF TIP has sought to foster regional innovation and economic growth, deep in America’s heartland and sunbelt; accelerate technology development and translation; and prepare Americans for the jobs of tomorrow.
Updates
Maximizing NSF’s impact
NSF has advanced the full spectrum of fundamental research and education in all fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, for more than 70 years — from foundational, curiosity-driven research that has led to new knowledge about our world, to use-inspired, solutions-oriented research that has directly impacted people's everyday lives. At every stage, investments across this spectrum have been deeply intertwined.
NSF TIP doubles down on the agency's commitment to accelerate use-inspired research and the translation of research results to the market and society. In doing so, the new directorate strengthens the intense interplay between foundational and use-inspired work, enhancing the full cycle of discovery and innovation.
Mobilizing the collective power of the nation
NSF TIP is a crosscutting platform that collaboratively integrates with NSF's existing directorates and fosters partnerships — with government, industry, nonprofits, civil society and communities of practice — to leverage, energize and rapidly bring to society use-inspired research and innovation.
TIP spurs NSF and the science, engineering and technology communities forward to new innovations and impacts. TIP meets the nation's priorities by providing researchers and innovators with education, tools and funding to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies and speed solutions forward.
TIP comprises three primary focus areas
The directorate works closely with the entire agency to leverage ongoing research investments to drive research and innovation across all science and engineering fields, leading to U.S. competitiveness and economic growth.
Fostering Regional Innovation and Economic Growth
Accelerates breakthroughs in key technology areas to grow long-term U.S. competitiveness, leading to game-changing technologies and solutions that address challenges and pave the way for economic growth and new, high-wage jobs.
Learn about TIP programs to foster and develop regional growth.
Accelerating Technology Translation and Development
Enables the translation of research results to practice. Programs aligned to this focus provide pathways for researchers, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to move their ideas from the laboratory to the market and society.
Preparing the U.S. Workforce
Stimulates partnerships that open opportunities for all Americans for future, high-wage jobs in STEM fields.
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