The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) is seeking comment by Sept. 30 on its draft plan for advanced networking research and development. Here’s where to comment.
On a related note, read the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Report on Leadership Under Challenge: Information Technology R&D in a Competitive World. In a press release, the outfit summarizes the report’s recommendations:
PCAST recommends a broad U.S. effort by both the Federal government and the private sector to address the demand for skilled IT professionals, including such steps as updating curricula, increasing fellowships, and simplifying visa processes. With respect to the Federally funded research portfolio, PCAST recommends the Program emphasize larger-scale and longer-term, multidisciplinary IT R&D and innovative, higher-risk projects. The Council also recommends that priority be given to R&D in economically important areas, including IT systems connected with and embedded in the physical world, software, use and management of digital data, and advanced Internet capabilities. PCAST notes that with an annual Federal investment of over $3 billion in the NITRD Program, changes in the Program’s interagency process to strengthen assessment and planning are needed.
