Developing virtual laboratories, remote-access and remotely deployed instrumentation, and systems for extracting knowledge and insight from large, complex datasets to facilitate progress in science and engineering. Making governmental information-based services less expensive and more responsive to citizens' needs. Building robust systems for rapid response to natural disasters and other national emergencies. Improving real-time conferencing, collaboratory, and language translation capabilities for telecommuting and other remote exchanges. Intensifying ongoing transformations in commerce, manufacturing, banking and finance, and entertainment for the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.
Information technology is critically important to the U.S. economy.
The burgeoning use of information technologies throughout society is changing the way Americans live, learn, work, and play. Carefully planned, long-range investments by federal research agencies continue to stimulate revolutionary advances, leading to new information technology products and services, even whole new industries, and enriching the lives of Americans as individuals, workers, citizens, and consumers. Advances in information technology are fueling unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. IT companies create millions of new high-paying jobs and enable productivity increases throughout the economy. After thoughtful examination, a congressionally chartered panel has concluded that the Nation is underinvesting in information technology research.