U.S. GAO – Technology & Science

Science & Tech Spotlights

The Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team is publishing “Science & Tech Spotlights,” 2-page quick reads for policymakers and the public. Each Spotlight gives an overview of an emerging development in science and technology, the opportunities and challenges it brings, and the relevant policy context. Our first Spotlights discuss:

GAO Chief Scientist tests a disease prevention
technology at a firm in Menlo Park, CA

Technology Assessments

GAO has published a number of technology assessments on established and emerging technology. We also continue to provide evidence-based analysis to assist policymakers with the privacy and security implications of technology, as well as the management of federal investments in technology and science. We also develop best practice guides, such as our technology readiness assessment guide.

Our technology assessments explain the consequences that certain technology will have on the federal government—and on society as a whole.

• Economic competiveness. Our work has covered a range of topics including artificial intelligence, connectivity and the Internet of Things, innovation in data analytics, and 3D printing.
• Energy and the environment. We’ve reported on topics like improving municipal freshwater scarcity, reducing freshwater use in hydraulic fracturing and thermoelectric power plant cooling, and climate engineering.
• Health care. We’ve evaluated enabling rapid diagnoses of infectious diseases and the implications of nanomanufacturing on human health. We are currently investigating the impact of artificial intelligence on health care.
• Homeland security. We’ve examined the use of explosive detection technologies to protect passenger trains, and the use of biometrics for border security.

See all of our technology assessments.

Cybersecurity

Federal agencies and the nation’s critical infrastructures—such as energy, transportation systems, communications, and financial services—are dependent on cyber information systems and electronic data to carry out operations and to process, maintain, and report essential information.
Our work in cybersecurity includes:

• Critical infrastructure protection. We work on how to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure—including financial markets, telecommunications, the national airspace system, electricity grid, and oil and gas pipeline sector.
• Federal information systems. We evaluate the cybersecurity of key federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Homeland Security.
• Privacy. We evaluate federal efforts to ensure the privacy of individuals in response to emerging technologies (such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence), the collection and use of personal information in the private sector through social media, and privacy in government programs (e.g., federal student aid and Medicare).

Management of Federal Technology and Science Programs

We assess the management and coordination of federal research and development efforts,
including investments in scientific facilities (such as telescopes and research vessels)
and emerging technologies (like synthetic biology and quantum computing).

Defense. We evaluate the technology readiness assessments and overall project execution for complex weapons systems, such as the Columbia class ballistic missile submarine, military space systems, and border security technology.

Space. We assess federal military and civilian satellite programs and efforts to support and oversee telecommunications in the public interest.

Energy and the environment. We evaluate developing and deployed technologies in a range of activities, including renewable energy, civilian nuclear power, and cleanup of hazardous waste sites.

Nuclear. We assess programs, infrastructure, technology readiness, and operations for the maintenance and management of nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as the aircraft and ships designed to carry and deliver them.

Health care. We assess new technologies for emerging infectious diseases, such as technologies that can simultaneously test for multiple infectious diseases at or near the site of patient care, and the impacts of new technology on human health, disease prevention, and the delivery of health care.

Science and innovation. We assess programs to promote innovation (such as federal support for advanced manufacturing institutes), as well as federal policies and funding for the protection of intellectual property.