Lawmakers are facing challenges in meeting the goals set by the CHIPS and Science Act for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which focuses on technology research and STEM workforce development. Government funding for long-term basic research in fields like artificial intelligence and quantum computing is crucial, as private sector interest is limited due to the lack of immediate practical applications.

The NSF's role is pivotal in the CHIPS and Science Act, with a budget doubling plan over five years to support early-stage research, infrastructure, international collaborations, and STEM education. The Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate includes the Regional Innovation Engines program, fostering collaborations between researchers, companies, and nonprofits to address societal issues while training the local workforce.

Pascal Van Hentenryck's work at the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT), in collaboration with companies like Intel, tackles challenges in energy, supply chains, sustainability, and chip design, underscoring the need for additional funding. China's technological leadership is a concern, prompting U.S. efforts to invest in research and innovation. Lawmakers are exploring legislation to further support agencies like the NSF, and reports are being prepared to emphasize the need for AI workers and the capacity of U.S. institutions to educate them, potentially leading to new funding and programs. The article highlights the complexities of funding and prioritizing NSF's contributions to technological advancement.

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