This guide explains how and why the US government funds R&D, outlines key institutions and processes, and discusses considerations and opportunities for working in R&D policy.

---

Outline:

(00:10) Overview

(01:40) Why does the government invest in R&D?

(04:42) Federal R&D funding basics

(09:24) Funding models and mechanisms

(13:04) Federal R&D funding and emerging technology

(24:30) Why (not) work on federal R&D funding?

(24:35) The case for impact

(27:57) The case for professional growth

(29:47) Some tradeoffs

(33:05) The funding process: Who's involved?

(34:48) Budget and policy direction setting

(44:37) Grant-making and program execution

(46:30) Conducting the actual R&D

(48:48) Coordination

(51:25) Oversight

(52:57) Working on R&D funding: types of roles and career opportunities

(53:35) Preparing for R&D funding roles

(57:28) Appendices: Day-in-the-life & a brief history of federal R&D funding

(01:07:04) Further reading

---

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in emerging technology policy, complete our Policy Career Interest Form, and we may be able to match you with opportunities suited to your background and interests.

The original text contained 36 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

Last updated:

Source:

---

Images from the article:

Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.