The Industry, Commerce, and International Security Division comprises 3 research Programs: Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure; Industry, Telecommunications, and Commerce; and International Security and Space.
The Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure (ETI) Program is responsible for examining the role of technology in extracting, producing and using energy resources; designing, operating, and improving transportation systems; and planning, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure. The Program addresses the impacts of these technologies and the factors that affect their ability to support commerce and other societal goals. Applications of materials to energy, transportation, and infrastructure systems, including the development of natural and manufactured material resources through extraction, processing, use, and recycling or waste management, are included in ETI's work. The Program's work also covers the export and import of energy, transportation, and infrastructure technologies, goods, and services, including energy fuels and efficiency, and the implications of these activities for economic growth, global competitiveness, and international stability.
The Industry, Telecommunications, and Commere (ITC) Program is responsible for assessments on technology and international industrial competitiveness, telecommunications and computing technologies, international trade, industry productivity, and related topics. ITC examines how technology affects the ability of U.S. industry to contribute to a healthy national economy. This includes consideration of the competitiveness of U.S. industries in international markets; trade and economic development issues; the changing role of telecommunications and computing technologies in the nation's industry, commerce, and government; the number and nature of employment opportunities in the U.S. economy; and the effects of technological change on jobs and training. The Program also studies telecommunications regulation, information policy, and applications of information technology in the public sector.
OTA's work concerning technological aspects of national security, international security (as it concerns the U.S.), and space is pursued in the International Security and Space (ISS) Program . The program's security work focuses on implications of technology and technological change on national defense as well as international stability, arms control, arms proliferation, terrorism, and alliance relations. Assessments of issues related to the nation's defense industrial and technology base is an increasing part of ISS's work. The program's space work involves a broad range of issues, such as space transportation, earth observation, international cooperation and competition, exploration, use, and commercialization of space. The program's work has also ranged into areas such as law enforcement.
Contacts:
Peter D. Blair, Assistant Director
Pidge Chapman, Division Administrator
Phone: (202) 224-3695