Multiple Federal Agencies and Nonfederal Entities Support Quantum Computing and Synthetic Biology Research for Transformational Technological Advances

Multiple federal agencies and nonfederal entities support quantum  computing and synthetic biology research that could lead to  transformational technological advances in many areas of the U.S.  economy, including energy, medicine, and national security. We found that 4 of the 6 agencies reported a  combined total of at least $23.4 million in obligations to support quantum  computing research in fiscal year 2017. We also identified  a variety of nonfederal entities, such as universities and private  companies, that conduct research in quantum computing and synthetic  biology. Agencies Coordinate Research through a Range of Efforts, but Interagency Groups Have Not Fully Implemented Selected Leading Practices

Agency officials we interviewed said they coordinate on quantum  computing and synthetic biology research through a range of efforts, but  we found that certain efforts are new and that agencies have not fully  implemented selected leading practices for collaboration in these efforts. However, the official also stated that the participating agencies  were still considering the new group’s activities. As the subcommittee and the working group move  forward, by taking steps to fully implement these leading practices,  member agencies could better marshal their collective efforts to support  research in the areas of quantum computing and synthetic biology and  help maintain U.S. competitiveness through transformational  technological advances. These considerations extend beyond quantum computing and  synthetic biology, and more broadly address the role of federal and  nonfederal entities in supporting research for such advances. The key  considerations experts identified were (1) developing a strategic approach  for transformational technology, (2) fostering information sharing, (3)  focusing on technology development and commercialization, and (4)  strengthening the science and technology workforce. To  address this issue, experts discussed how the federal government could  focus on technology development and commercialization by providing  support across multiple stages of innovation and support for the  development of tools to enhance innovation. Specifically, both the new QIS Subcommittee and the  new synthetic biology working group have taken initial steps to implement  certain leading practices that can enhance and sustain collaborative  efforts. For example, both have taken steps toward agreeing on roles and  responsibilities. Appendix I: Objectives, Scope, and Methodology

The objectives of our review were to (1) describe federal agencies’ and  nonfederal entities’ support for research for transformational technological  advances in selected areas, (2) examine federal agencies’ coordination  on this research, and (3) provide experts’ views on considerations for  maintaining U.S. competitiveness through transformational technological  advances. For the purposes of this report, we selected quantum computing (a sub- area of quantum information science) and synthetic biology (the  intersection of biology and engineering that focuses on the modification or  creation of novel biological systems) as examples of research for  transformational technological advances. Experts’ Views

To provide experts’ views on considerations for maintaining U.S.  competitiveness through transformational technological advances, we  convened a meeting of 19 experts on October 12 and 13, 2017, with the  assistance of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and  Medicine.
Why GAO Did This Study

Scientific and technological innovation contributes to U.S. economic competitiveness and prosperity. Federal agencies support transformational technological advances—those that result in new or significantly enhanced technologies—by, for example, funding research (nearly $70 billion in obligations in fiscal year 2017).
GAO was asked to examine support for research that could lead to transformational technological advances. This report (1) describes federal agencies' and nonfederal entities' support for such research in selected areas, (2) examines federal agencies' coordination on this research, and (3) describes experts' views on considerations for maintaining U.S. competitiveness through such advances. GAO selected quantum computing and synthetic biology as examples of research areas that could lead to transformational technological advances. GAO reviewed agency documents and interviewed federal officials, subject matter experts, and stakeholders. GAO also worked with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to convene a meeting to solicit views from 19 experts selected from government, academia, and industry, among others.

What GAO Found

Multiple federal and nonfederal entities support research for transformational technological advances in the areas of quantum computing—the manipulation of bits of data using the behavior of individual atoms, molecules, or other quantum systems to potentially outperform supercomputers—and synthetic biology—the combination of biology and engineering to create or modify biological systems. GAO found that at least 6 agencies support quantum computing research; at least 10 agencies support synthetic biology research; and nonfederal entities, such as universities and businesses, support research in both areas.
Agency officials said they coordinate on quantum computing and synthetic biology through efforts such as conferences and interagency groups, but GAO found that certain new efforts have not fully implemented selected leading collaboration practices. The quantum computing group, co-chaired by officials from 4 agencies, and the synthetic biology group, led by the National Science Foundation, have taken initial steps to implement some leading practices GAO identified that can enhance and sustain interagency collaboration. For example, both groups agreed to coordinate their research, and participating agencies documented agreement with the quantum computing group's purpose through a charter. However, the groups have not fully implemented other practices, such as agreeing on roles and responsibilities and identifying common outcomes, that could help ensure they effectively marshal agencies' efforts to maintain U.S. competitiveness in quantum computing and synthetic biology.
Experts identified considerations for maintaining U.S. competitiveness through transformational technological advances. The considerations broadly address federal and nonfederal entities' roles in supporting such advances and include:
developing a strategic approach using consortia or other mechanisms to bring together potential partners;
fostering an environment in which information is shared among researchers while also considering the risks of information sharing;
focusing on technology development and commercialization, for example, by providing support across multiple stages of technology innovation; and
strengthening the science and technology workforce through training, recruiting, and retaining talent.

What GAO Recommends

GAO recommends that the agencies leading the interagency quantum computing and synthetic biology groups take steps to fully implement leading collaboration practices. The agencies agreed with GAO's recommendations.