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Policy Factsheet

Funding Fundamental Research: The Building Blocks of American Innovation

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Action

To help ensure U.S. competitiveness, Congress should match the authorizations in the CHIPS and Science Act and provide robust funding for the DOD 6.1 and 6.2 research accounts in FY24.

Fundamental research is essential to U.S. competitiveness. Federal funding directly impacts the future U.S. STEM workforce

Investments in Research, People and Communities: Following Through on the CHIPS and Science Act

Not providing robust funding for the federal science agencies, as authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act, means missed opportunities for students and researchers. The U.S. needs to fulfill the “and Science” portion of the CHIPS bill to remain a global leader in science and technology.

Changing R&D Expenditures Indicate Increasing Global Competition

Bar chart showing percentage of global R&D spending for United States, EU-27, and China in 2000, 2010, and 2019. US numbers: 37%, 29%, 27%. EU-27 numbers: 21%, 19%, 18%. China numbers: 4%, 15%, 22%

Source: NSF Science & Engineering Indicators 2022

Broadening Participation and Building STEM Capacity Across All 50 States

Map of the United States with colored dots showing the locations of HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and ERIs

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in 2022
  • Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) recipients of federal R&D funding in FY21
  • Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) in 2022
  • Emerging Research Institutions (ERI) for FY22

Full appropriations of the CHIPS and Science Act will greatly expand participation in STEM and geographical diversity of federal R&D investments. Initiatives include:

  • Regional Innovation Hubs (NIST)
  • Expanded partnerships with HBCUs, MSIs, ERIs, TCUs, (NSF, DOE)
  • And more

Sources: NSF HERD survey, Dept. of Ed. IPEDS

Fully Funding the CHIPS and Science Act is Critical

Harnessing the full potential of our R&D enterprise requires appropriations matching the ambitious funding levels laid out in the CHIPS and Science Act. People are the bedrock of U.S. R&D, and these increases are vital to support them and the economic health of our nation.

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