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(3) The FY96 budget requests increased funding for technology partnerships with U.S.
Industry. Even in the best of economic climates, federal investment is essential in
helping foster development of critical technologies where private investment is inadequate, as
when risks are high and no single company can capture enough of the benefits. The federal
government always has played a key role in developing new technology in areas such as
agriculture, aerospace, medicine, and electronics, areas that have served as basic building
blocks for economic development. Today, tough international competition is putting
unprecedented pressures on American industry, and many firms have cut back on critical long-term research, research that is more vital than ever to the nation's economic future. This is no
time to waver in our traditional commitment to public support for applied research. These
partnership programs represent a small but increasingly vital component of the federal R&D
portfolio.
Funding for the Advanced Technology Program and Manufacturing
Extension Program at NIST is increased to support work with industry on high-risk
civilian industrial technologies of critical importance to the country.
Increased funds are included for cost-shared partnerships with the
automobile and construction industries and their suppliers aimed at
ensuring technological leadership for US industry, more efficient use of resources, and an
improved environment.
Since the American economy and American lifestyles depend on an efficient, low
cost transportation system, we are working with industry on key transportation
technologies including use of advanced materials and construction practices to improve
the quality and lower the cost of the nation's bridges, highways, and other key infrastructures.
We are continuing our partnership with the US aircraft industry aimed at
developing Advanced Subsonic, transonic and supersonic technology.