Fast Track Action Committee on Critical and Emerging Technologies

Fast Track Action Committee on Critical and Emerging Technologies is a high-level interagency body within the United States Government established to accelerate the development, adoption, and governance of technologies vital to national and economic security. It operates under the auspices of the National Science and Technology Council and is chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The committee's work is central to implementing the national strategy outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act and countering technological competition from strategic rivals like the People's Republic of China.

Background and Establishment

The committee was formally established in 2022 by a memorandum from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, building upon prior strategic frameworks like the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy. Its creation was a direct response to the intensifying global technological competition, particularly with China, and aimed to streamline federal efforts across disparate agencies. This initiative followed the passage of landmark legislation including the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided substantial funding and a policy mandate for bolstering U.S. leadership in key sectors. The move also aligned with broader efforts by the Biden Administration to revitalize domestic innovation and supply chains in critical areas.

Mandate and Objectives

The primary mandate is to ensure the United States maintains its competitive edge by rapidly advancing a defined list of Critical and emerging technologies. Key objectives include synchronizing research and development investments across the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation. It aims to accelerate the transition of technologies from lab to market, strengthen international partnerships with allies such as NATO and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, and develop cohesive policies for technology protection and export controls. A core goal is to create a whole-of-government approach to out-innovate competitors and secure U.S. technological sovereignty.

Key Focus Areas and Technologies

The committee's focus is guided by the periodically updated list from the National Science and Technology Council. Core areas include artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and biotechnology. Specific technologies under purview span advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy generation and storage like next-generation batteries, and advanced telecommunications including 6G. It also prioritizes autonomous systems and robotics, hypersonics, and cybersecurity tools. These sectors are identified for their potential to transform economies, modernize the United States Armed Forces, and address global challenges in health and climate.

Structure and Membership

The committee is structurally embedded within the National Science and Technology Council, the principal body for coordinating science and technology policy across the federal executive branch. It is chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arati Prabhakar. Membership comprises senior officials from over a dozen key agencies, including the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Participation from the Intelligence Community and the Joint Chiefs of Staff ensures alignment between technological development and national security imperatives.

Activities and Initiatives

The committee's activities involve coordinating multi-billion-dollar investments authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act into research consortia and manufacturing hubs. It facilitates interagency "sprints" to achieve specific technical milestones in areas like post-quantum cryptography and synthetic biology. The body also works to harmonize export control regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security and to shape international standards through forums like the International Telecommunication Union. Furthermore, it engages with the private sector and academic institutions, including leaders like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, to bridge innovation gaps.

Impact and Significance

The committee represents a significant institutional mechanism for centralizing and accelerating U.S. technological strategy in an era of great power competition. Its work directly influences the allocation of resources within agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institutes of Health. By fostering tighter integration between civilian and defense innovation, it aims to bolster the technological foundation of the United States Armed Forces and economic resilience. The committee's efforts are seen as critical to sustaining U.S. leadership against the systemic challenges posed by the technological ambitions of the People's Republic of China and other state actors.