Spring 2004 Industry Study Final Report: Strategic Materials

Abstract : Strategic materials are those materials and related technologies whose critical function or supply are essential to the economic competitiveness and security of the United States. Emerging materials and technologies are key enablers to military transformation and economic growth. The United States needs to continue to fund research and development and create an environment conducive to transitioning research to manufactured products. The "Buy America" policy needs to be reviewed and the waiver process streamlined. A virtual strategic stockpile needs to be created and rare earth elements considered for stockpiling. The government must vigorously enforce the intellectual property rights of U.S. companies. While not a comprehensive study of all materials and technologies, this industry study focuses on several materials and emerging technologies that will play a significant role in ensuring the economic competitiveness and national security of the United States in the next two decades and beyond. Given the difficulty in defining the boundaries of the strategic materials "industry," the authors' purpose in this report is to present an executive summary of several key materials and technologies in a global context. Specifically, this discussion will do the following: (1) define the industry; (2) evaluate its current condition, challenges, and outlook; (3) assess the industry's contribution to national security, the nation's competitive advantage, and transformation efforts; and (4) provide recommendations for Federal Government action.

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