

<head> Tipster Topic Description

<num> Number: 043

<dom> Domain: U.S. Politics 

<title> Topic: U.S. Technology Policy


<desc> Description:

Document will describe federal actions to encourage, select, or protect
technology because of its presumed centrality to the future defense posture 
or economic competitiveness of the U.S.


<narr> Narrative: 

A relevant document will describe a federal action to aid research and 
development in an "emerging" or high technology area, to target commercial 
development of particular technologies deemed essential to future 
U.S.  competitiveness, or to protect those technologies, products, and 
processes which are to be kept under U.S. control because of defense and 
security considerations.  Although pertinent science, technology, and public 
policy issues are often discussed under such rubrics as "industrial policy," 
U.S.  competitiveness, or free trade vs. protectionism, a document is NOT 
relevant unless it identifies an actual federal action -- regulatory, legal, 
or financial -- reflective of such technology policy.  Relevant actions 
include provision of tax credits, providing research grants, extending 
antitrust exemptions, and prohibiting a proposed technology transfer.  
Relevant technologies include, but are not limited to, robotics, 
telecommunications equipment, computers, biotechnology, process technologies,
and advanced materials.      


<con> Concept(s):

1.  industrial policy, technology policy, cutting edge technology,
competitiveness, technology transfer controls, free trade, protectionism

2.  Sematech  

3.  Coretech, Council on Research and Technology

4.  National Science Foundation, NSF 

5.  Defense Science Board 


<fac> Factor(s):

<nat> Nationality: U.S.

</fac>


<def> Definition(s):

Sematech: a research consortium for semiconductor manufacturing techniques