Is there general agreement that the Federal R&D portfolio is under-investing in long-term research?
Yes, without question. The level of support for long-term CISE research is badly inadequate by any measure. It will not lead to the robust, reliable, scalable computing and communications systems that are needed to meet the complex needs of the 21st century. Without dramatically expanded investment in fundamental CISE research, the nation’s ability to meet future IT-intensive goals in both the public and private sectors will be severely compromised. It is important to understand the critical role in innovation that the Federal IT research portfolio has played in the past, and must play in the future. The National Research Council “Brooks/Sutherland Report” on the HPCC program, of which I was an author, makes this case compellingly. Research investments made 10, 15, and 20 years ago are bearing fruit today. It is essential that we sow the seeds of fresh ideas so that we will be able to harvest them 10, 15, and 20 years hence. 5.2. Is the existing research community adequate to carry out
