Specifically, NIST reported that as a result of ATP total U.S. research on advanced technologies for printed wiring boards has quadrupled, participants have pursued research they otherwise could not have participants have forged new relationships with companies and government or academic laboratories, and the number of joint R&D ventures in private industry has increased. However, some of these measures may not indicate the economic success of ATP. NIST’s evaluation efforts include engaging the advice and services of the nation’s leading economists in impact assessment and evaluation. However, our analysis indicates that these results are overstated or lack adequate support. NIST currently has a study under way to determine that information. We examined (1) the short-term results that NIST says indicate the impact of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) and (2) the measures that NIST expects will indicate ATP’s long-term economic success. 2. 3. In addition to straightforward tracking of technical milestones, these indicators include: .
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Advanced Technology Program (ATP), focusing on: (1) its short-term results; and (2) NIST future plans for evaluating ATP.

What GAO Found

GAO found that as a result of ATP: (1) total U.S. research on advanced technologies for printed wiring boards has quadrupled; (2) participants have pursued research that they otherwise could not have pursued and have forged new relationships with companies, government, and academic laboratories; and (3) the number of joint research and development ventures in private industry has increased. GAO also found that: (1) the short-term results that NIST identified have limitations and some are overstated or lack adequate support; (2) although NIST plans to evaluate the number of technical milestones completed and joint ventures formed, these indicators may not reflect the long-term success of ATP; and (3) other NIST evaluation efforts under way include engaging the advice and services of leading economists in impact assessment and evaluation, but the results of such efforts are unknown.