Assessing the Impacts of Changes in the Information Technology R&D Ecosystem: Retaining Leadership in an Increasingly Global Environment (CSTB)

Released 01.23.09

An information technology (IT) R&D ecosystem of academic, industry, government performers has fueled the sustained development of IT over the past several decades that has contributed enormously to the U.S. economy.  Concern has been growing, however, that this ecosystem is at risk.  If so, the consequences for the country could be severe.  To address these concerns, the NRC was asked by the NSF to assess the impacts of changes in the IT R&D ecosystem.  This report provides a definition of the IT R&D ecosystem; an analysis of IT as an essential enabler for the information society; a review of the changing IT R&D ecosystem landscape from 1995 to 2007; an examination of a globalized, dynamic IT R&D ecosystem; and a series of findings and recommendations to enable a strong IT R&D ecosystem in the United States.