Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of The United States of America and the Government of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Regarding the Technology Prosperity Deal

9/18/2025

Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

Purpose: Establish a bilateral framework for joint cooperation in strategic science and technology disciplines between the U.S. and the U.K., focusing on emerging technologies and fostering a new era of innovation.
Areas of Cooperation:
- Accelerating AI Innovation:
  - Joint flagship research programs across U.S. and U.K. science agencies.
  - Collaboration on AI infrastructure, models, and datasets for applications in biotechnology, precision medicine, and fusion energy.
  - Promotion of AI exports, policy frameworks, secure AI infrastructure, and talent exchanges.
- Unleashing Civil Nuclear Energy:
  - Advancing research and development of advanced nuclear reactors, fuels, and fusion energy.
  - Streamlining regulatory and licensing processes, ensuring a secure supply chain free of Russian nuclear fuel by 2028.
  - Enhancing non-proliferation, safety, and security standards for nuclear deployment.
- Securing Quantum Advantage:
  - Establishing benchmarking tasks, launching Quantum Code Challenges, and promoting industry exchanges.
  - Collaborative R&D on quantum hardware, algorithms, and sensing applications.
  - Advancing trusted standards and interoperability in quantum technologies.
- Foundations for Frontier Innovation:
  - Research Security: Sharing best practices to protect critical and emerging technology research.
  - Securing 6G: Joint R&D and standards-driven efforts for AI-enabled 6G and telecommunications resilience.
  - Positioning, Navigation and Timing: Enhancing resilience of critical infrastructure.
  - Secure Investment: Mobilizing private capital to accelerate deployment of advanced technologies.
Operation and Discontinuation:
- The MOU operates in conjunction with the U.S.–U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal, with provisions for mutual modification.
- Either party may discontinue the MOU with written notice, leading to cessation 180 days after notice if no mutual date is set.
- It does not create legally binding obligations or require funding commitments.
Timeline for Delivery:
- Establishment of a Ministerial-Level Working Group within six months to guide implementation.
- Annual reviews starting within twelve months to assess progress and adjust collaborative priorities.

Risks & Considerations

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and the UK emphasizes collaboration in strategic science and technology disciplines, which could lead to increased competition for research funding and talent. This may pressure institutions like Vanderbilt University to enhance their research capabilities and partnerships to remain competitive.
The focus on AI, civil nuclear, and quantum technologies presents opportunities for innovation but also risks related to regulatory compliance and ethical considerations. Vanderbilt may need to ensure its research aligns with evolving international standards and policies.
The MOU’s emphasis on secure research and telecommunications infrastructure could necessitate investments in cybersecurity and data protection measures at Vanderbilt, potentially increasing operational costs.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these international collaborations could affect its strategic priorities, particularly in terms of research focus and partnerships with U.S. and UK institutions.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for expertise in AI, quantum technologies, and civil nuclear energy, presenting opportunities for research collaborations and funding.
The Data Science Institute at Vanderbilt could play a crucial role in advancing AI research and development, particularly in areas like precision medicine and biotechnology.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Research might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate new international research partnerships and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization could benefit from increased opportunities for technology commercialization and collaboration with industry partners in the U.S. and UK.

Financial Impact

The MOU’s focus on strategic science and technology disciplines could lead to increased funding opportunities for Vanderbilt, particularly in AI, quantum technologies, and civil nuclear energy.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding landscape, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and international partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in emerging technologies, particularly through collaborations with U.S. and UK government agencies and industry partners.
The emphasis on secure research and telecommunications infrastructure could require investments in cybersecurity and data protection measures, impacting Vanderbilt’s operational budget.

Relevance Score: 3 (The MOU presents moderate risks and opportunities involving compliance, ethics, and strategic partnerships.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with U.S. and UK science agencies to engage in joint Flagship Research programs, particularly in AI, quantum technologies, and nuclear energy. This could enhance the university’s research capabilities and access to international funding opportunities.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in AI policy frameworks and standards, ensuring that Vanderbilt’s AI research aligns with U.S. and UK-led initiatives. This alignment could position the university as a leader in AI innovation and policy.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should identify opportunities to collaborate with industry partners in the U.S. and UK to commercialize AI and quantum technologies. This could lead to new revenue streams and enhance the university’s impact on technological advancement.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy should consider participating in the transatlantic Quantum Code Challenge and other quantum research initiatives. Engaging in these programs could bolster Vanderbilt’s reputation in quantum research and attract top talent.
Vanderbilt’s Peabody College should assess the implications of AI and quantum technologies on education and workforce development. By developing programs that prepare students for careers in these fields, the college can ensure its graduates are competitive in the evolving job market.

Opportunities

The MOU presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to expand its research collaborations with leading institutions in the U.S. and UK, particularly in AI, quantum technologies, and nuclear energy. By leveraging these partnerships, Vanderbilt can enhance its research output and global standing.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on AI and quantum technologies by developing interdisciplinary programs that integrate these fields with other areas of study, such as healthcare and finance. This could attract a diverse student body and foster innovative research.
The emphasis on secure telecommunications and critical infrastructure offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Institute for Software Integrated Systems to engage in research and development projects that address these challenges. This could lead to advancements in cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.
By participating in initiatives related to civil nuclear energy, Vanderbilt can contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions and position itself as a leader in environmental research and policy.
The MOU’s focus on secure investment and private capital presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to engage in research and education on financing advanced technologies. This could enhance the school’s offerings and attract students interested in technology finance.

Relevance Score: 4 (The MOU presents significant opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in international research collaborations and align with emerging technological and policy trends.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Timeline for Implementation

Ministerial-Level Working Group: To be established and convened within six months of the MOU becoming operative.
Formal Assessment Discussions: To be convened within twelve months of the MOU becoming operative, and then on an annual basis.
Discontinuation Clause: In the event of termination without a mutually-determined date, discontinuation will commence 180 days after notice is delivered.

The shortest timeline is 180 days (six months), which falls under the 180 or more days category.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Engaged in establishing joint Flagship Research programs to advance AI innovation and support civil nuclear energy initiatives.
U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF): Collaborating on AI-enabled science research and facilitating joint research opportunities in advanced technologies.
U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Involved in pioneering collaborative efforts in precision medicine and biotechnology through AI innovation.
U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H): Supports joint funding opportunities and advanced research in AI for health applications.
U.S. National AI Research Resource: Provides pivotal compute resources and infrastructure to support transformational AI-driven research initiatives.
U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation: Partners with its UK counterpart to develop secure AI standards and best practices.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Tasked with streamlining licensing and regulatory support for advanced nuclear reactors in collaboration with UK regulators.
U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Collaborates with the UK Space Agency to develop AI models for space exploration and related missions.
UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT): Integral in forming joint research initiatives in AI, advanced nuclear, and frontier science disciplines.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): Works alongside DSIT and U.S. counterparts to spearhead major science and technology collaborations.
UK AI Research Resource: Partners in providing the necessary computing and research infrastructure to support transformative AI research.
UK Space Agency: Collaborates with NASA on AI for space applications and the development of space exploration technologies.
UK Office for Nuclear Regulation: Works jointly with the U.S. NRC to streamline nuclear safety and licensing processes.
UK Environment Agency (EA): Engaged in accelerating site permitting and regulatory processes for advanced nuclear projects.
UK AI Security Institute: Partners with the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation to enhance secure AI innovation through standardization and shared best practices.

Relevance Score: 4 (Between 11-15 agencies are directly impacted by the collaborative initiatives outlined in the MOU.)

Responsible Officials

U.S. Senior Agency Heads – Including, for example, the Secretaries or Directors of the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, ARPA-H, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who are expected to drive the development and execution of the AI, nuclear, and quantum initiatives.
UK Senior Government Officials – Such as Ministers and agency heads from departments like the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation, and the Environment Agency, tasked with coordinating the collaborative programs outlined in the MOU.
Ministerial-Level Working Group – A strategic forum to be established within six months featuring high-ranking officials from both the United States and the United Kingdom, responsible for setting priorities, overseeing joint initiatives, and guiding the bilateral cooperation efforts described.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level officials, including Cabinet-level or ministerial figures responsible for shaping and implementing the overall strategic collaboration.)