A Letter to Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
March 26, 2025
Action Summary
- Historical Inspiration: Emphasizes the legacy of landmark initiatives (Manhattan Project, Apollo Program, development of the Internet) and draws parallels to FDR’s call to Vannevar Bush for pioneering peacetime science.
- Current Strategic Challenge: Highlights the urgent need to counter rival nations striving to displace the United States as the leader in innovative technologies.
- Technological Leadership: Tasks the OSTP with securing U.S. dominance in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and nuclear technology by accelerating R&D, removing regulatory barriers, strengthening domestic supply chains, and boosting private sector investment.
- Revitalizing the Scientific Enterprise: Calls for a reinvention of America’s research ecosystem by reducing administrative burdens, innovating funding models, and protecting intellectual leadership to attract top talent.
- Economic and National Prosperity: Stresses that scientific progress must drive economic growth and improve lives, building on successes like the American Artificial Intelligence Initiative, National Quantum Initiative, and United States Space Force.
- Call to Action: Urges bold leadership to overcome years of complacency, setting the stage for a Golden Age of American Innovation that reaffirms the nation’s global technological supremacy.
Risks & Considerations
- The emphasis on securing the United States’ position as a leader in critical and emerging technologies could lead to increased competition for federal research funding. This may impact Vanderbilt University’s ability to secure grants, particularly if funding priorities shift towards specific technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum information science.
- The call to dismantle regulatory barriers and strengthen domestic supply chains may result in changes to compliance requirements for research institutions. Vanderbilt may need to adapt its research practices to align with new regulatory frameworks.
- The focus on revitalizing America’s science and technology enterprise could lead to changes in funding models and administrative processes. Vanderbilt may need to adjust its research administration to accommodate new paradigms and reduce administrative burdens on researchers.
- The push for economic growth through scientific progress may create opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in public-private partnerships and collaborations with industry. However, this could also increase pressure to demonstrate the economic impact of research activities.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and nuclear technology.
- The Office of Research may need to explore new funding models and partnerships to align with national priorities and secure federal support for research initiatives.
- Vanderbilt’s Technology Transfer Office could play a crucial role in protecting intellectual property and facilitating the commercialization of research discoveries.
- The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization may need to enhance its efforts to attract top talent and foster an ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Financial Impact
- The potential shift in federal research funding priorities towards emerging technologies could impact Vanderbilt’s funding landscape, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and research focus areas.
- Opportunities for public-private partnerships and industry collaborations may increase, providing new revenue streams and funding sources for research activities at Vanderbilt.
- Changes in regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements could result in additional administrative costs and necessitate investments in training and infrastructure to ensure compliance.
- The emphasis on economic growth through scientific innovation may lead to increased pressure on Vanderbilt to demonstrate the economic impact of its research activities, potentially affecting funding decisions and resource allocation.
Relevance Score: 4 (The letter presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and funding strategies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should focus on expanding research and development in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and nuclear technology. By aligning with national priorities, the school can secure federal funding and enhance its role in maintaining technological supremacy.
- The Office of Federal Relations should engage with policymakers to advocate for reduced administrative burdens and innovative funding models that empower researchers. This can help Vanderbilt attract top talent and focus on groundbreaking discoveries.
- Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center should explore partnerships with private sector companies to spur investment and advance American companies in global markets. This collaboration can enhance the university’s impact on economic growth and technological innovation.
- The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the implications of national policies on technological leadership and economic growth. Sharing these insights can position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in science and technology policy.
- Vanderbilt’s Space Institute should leverage the establishment of the United States Space Force to expand its research and educational programs in space exploration. This can enhance the university’s reputation and contribute to national security and prosperity.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to enhance its research capabilities in artificial intelligence and quantum information science. By aligning with national initiatives, the university can secure funding and contribute to America’s technological leadership.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on reducing administrative burdens by streamlining its research processes and empowering faculty to focus on innovative discoveries. This can attract top researchers and enhance the university’s reputation for scientific excellence.
- The emphasis on economic growth through technological innovation offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to develop programs that integrate technology and business strategies. This can prepare students for leadership roles in the evolving technological landscape.
- By engaging with the broader scientific community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on science and technology policy. Hosting conferences and public forums can further establish the university as a hub for innovative thought and practice.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to its focus on technological leadership and innovation.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – The directive letter sets strategic objectives without specifying any deadlines or timeframes for implementation.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): The letter is directly addressed to its Director, Michael Kratsios, and it tasks the office with charting new frontiers in critical technologies and revitalizing America’s science and technology enterprise.
- United States Space Force: Although mentioned in a historical context to highlight past successes in technological leadership, its inclusion reinforces the importance of space and defense-related technology in maintaining American global supremacy.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only a small number of agencies are directly or symbolically impacted by the directive.)
Responsible Officials
- Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy – Tasked with developing strategies to secure technological leadership, revitalize the U.S. science and technology enterprise, and ensure scientific progress fuels economic growth.
Relevance Score: 4 (Impacts an agency head with significant responsibility for national science and technology policy.)