Legal Definitions - OSTP

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is a U.S. government agency that operates within the Executive Office of the President. Its primary function is to advise the President and other senior White House officials on scientific and technological matters. The OSTP also plays a key role in coordinating science and technology policies across various federal agencies, ensuring that these policies align with national goals such as economic growth, environmental protection, and national security.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the OSTP:

• Imagine the President is considering a new national initiative to combat climate change. The OSTP would be responsible for synthesizing the latest scientific research on renewable energy technologies, carbon capture, and climate modeling. They would then provide the President with evidence-based recommendations on which technologies to prioritize and how federal funding could best support their development and deployment. This demonstrates OSTP's role in providing expert scientific advice to inform high-level policy decisions.

• During a public health crisis, such as a novel virus outbreak, multiple federal agencies—like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense—might be involved in research, vaccine development, and testing. The OSTP would work to coordinate the scientific and technological efforts of these diverse agencies, ensuring that research priorities are aligned, resources are efficiently utilized, and a cohesive scientific strategy is implemented across the government's response.

• Suppose the U.S. government aims to establish a national strategy for quantum computing to maintain its competitive edge in advanced technologies. The OSTP might lead the effort to convene experts from academia, industry, and other government agencies to identify critical research gaps, ethical considerations, and workforce development needs. They would then help draft a comprehensive national strategy outlining federal investments and policy recommendations to accelerate progress in this cutting-edge field.