The federal government has a long history of creating and deploying innovative science and technology solutions – but institutional complexity and bureaucratic bottlenecks too often stifle its ability to solve problems. Amongst the many challenges facing the legislative and executive branches, tools and approaches currently exist that can dramatically increase government’s ability to deliver for the American people, but these tools remain underappreciated and underutilized.
The Federation of American Scientists aims to help the government identify, define, prioritize and champion solutions to society’s most pressing needs, with a focus on financial mechanisms, modernization, and talent and hiring as key drivers for change.
Protecting the health and safety of the American public and ensuring that the public has the opportunity to participate in the federal decision-making process is crucial. As currently organized, FACs are not equipped to provide the best evidence-based advice.
Shifting the Paradigm on Breastfeeding to Build a Healthier Future for all Americans
Policymakers on both sides of the aisle agree that no baby should ever go hungry, as evidenced by the bipartisan passage of recent breastfeeding legislation and widely supported regulations. However, significant barriers remain.
FAS today released permitting policy recommendations to improve talent and technology in the federal permitting process. These recommendations will address the sometimes years-long bottlenecks that prevent implementation of crucial projects, from energy to transportation.
The United States faces urgent challenges related to aging infrastructure, vulnerable energy systems, and economic competitiveness. But the permitting workforce is unprepared to implement changes. Here’s how they can improve.
The federal government plays a critical role in correcting bias in technologies and incentivizing future processes for equitable innovation.
Improving American competitiveness, security, and prosperity depends on the ability to responsibly site, build, and deploy proposed critical energy, infrastructure, and environmental restoration projects.
We are working with development experts to identify a set of cost-effective interventions and pathways to scale within USAID and other federal programs.
Both established and new approaches to federal evidence use — including living evidence synthesis, public engagement, and expert advising — face obstacles to reaching their potential.
