In a groundbreaking move towards fostering innovation and economic growth, the United States has introduced 10 "Innovation Engines" under an unprecedented program called Regional Innovation Engines (RIEs). The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected the first batch of 10 projects, each potentially receiving up to $160 million over 10 years – marking the largest individual research project investment in NSF's history.
Among the selected projects is Molly Hemstreet's vision to revive North Carolina's textile industry through sustainable practices, recycling, and workforce development. The RIE initiative aims to drive prosperity in overlooked communities, supporting projects that can translate research innovations into job creation and economic wealth.
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasizes the agency's commitment to creating opportunities nationwide and enabling innovation everywhere. The selected engines span 18 states and cover diverse areas, including regenerative medicine, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing, clean energy production, and climate change solutions.
The engines program, a flagship initiative under NSF's new directorate for technology, innovation, and partnerships, addresses historical geographic funding imbalances. The move aims to extend support beyond the traditional beneficiaries of scientific investments, fostering growth in communities left behind by the digital and high-tech economy.
The NSF has allocated $30 million to North Carolina for one of the projects, led by Wake Forest University's Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The engines program has garnered attention at the highest political levels, with first lady Jill Biden recently visiting North Carolina to highlight the importance of these investments in creating jobs and driving innovation.
The program's design reflects a commitment to serve communities that have not reaped the benefits of the current industrial landscape. Even in states with large research institutions, the engines aim to address underserved regions and revive industries that have faced decline.
Each engine will receive an initial $15 million for the first two years, with the potential for an additional $145 million over the next eight years based on meeting specific milestones. The NSF's initial investment is being matched by $365 million from private sector partners, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the initiative.
While these engines represent a significant financial commitment from NSF, the agency envisions securing additional funds from Congress in annual appropriations to support future cohorts of engines over the next decade. The goal is to transform regions into world-leading hubs of innovation, elevating communities and fostering scientific and economic advancement.
More: https://www.science.org/content/article/big-bet-science-u-s-just-created-10-new-innovation-engines
