The National Science Foundation (NSF) is spearheading a transformative initiative, marking the most substantial and extensive commitment to place-based science and technology research and development in the nation’s history. This landmark investment, reminiscent of the Congressional establishment of the modern university system over 160 years ago through the “Morrill Land-Grant Acts,” centers around the NSF Engines program. This program is designed with the powerful capacity to significantly broaden economic opportunities within communities across the United States, while simultaneously forging a new era for American innovation and ensuring the nation’s competitive edge in the global landscape for decades to come.
Unlike conventional innovation ecosystem programs that typically provide short-term funding for individual startups or economic development projects, often spanning just one to four years, the NSF Engines program adopts a pioneering approach. It is characterized by long-term investments in ecosystems, operating at an unprecedented scale and timeframe, with commitments extending up to 10 years and reaching $160 million per awardee. The ambitious objective is to cultivate a greater number of world-class innovation ecosystems, particularly in regions of the country that have historically been underserved and left behind in the innovation race.
The ultimate aim of the NSF Engines program is to serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking technologies across a spectrum of critical areas, including semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. Simultaneously, it is strategically designed to stimulate regional job growth and drive comprehensive economic development. The anticipated outcome is the creation of robust regional innovation ecosystems that possess the dynamism and resilience to evolve and sustain themselves for generations to come. These “engines” of innovation are expected to power local economies and contribute significantly to national technological advancement.
Early indicators already suggest strong validation of this innovative model from cross-sector partners. NSF’s initial investment has impressively been matched at a 2-to-1 ratio by contributions from private, philanthropic, and various other government sources. This robust early support underscores the perceived value and potential impact of the NSF Engines program.
This initiative represents uncharted territory for both the NSF and the federal government, heralding a new chapter in fostering American ingenuity. NSF expresses considerable enthusiasm for its role in investing in this novel frontier of American innovation, employing a model deliberately structured to be both localized in its impact and audacious in its vision. The NSF Engines program is poised to be a driving force, propelling regional and national progress through strategic investment in science and technology “engines”.
