Potomac Institutefor Policy Studies

About the Institute

Independent. Nonpartisan. Purpose-Driven.

Founded in 1994, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies advances objective science and technology policy research to inform consequential decisions.

01 · Mission & Purpose

We provide an academic forum for the study of key science and technology (S&T) and national security policy issues with the goal of educating and empowering stakeholders in government, business, and the broader public. Based on data and evidence, we develop policy recommendations and facilitate implementation at the intersection of business and government.

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02 · Institutional History

1994

Founded · Arlington, Virginia

Carrying on the legacy of the Office of Technology Assessment

Founded in 1994, the Potomac Institute carries on the legacy of the U.S. Congress’s former Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), providing nonpartisan, data-driven analysis and policy recommendations on a range of S&T topics.

The Institute has conducted studies and provided high-level strategic support to the U.S. Congress, White House, Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, Intelligence Community, and a host of others.

03 · How We Work

A think and “do” tank

Policy and implementation tend to lag technology adoption. We don't merely conduct studies and provide reports — we roll up our sleeves.

  1. 01

    Identify

    Identify key emerging technologies or scientific fields with disruptive potential.

  2. 02

    Anticipate

    Anticipate and assess the potential impacts.

  3. 03

    Recommend

    Recommend meaningful policy options to the government — and facilitate implementation of data-driven policy through nonpartisan, collaborative means.

04 · Commitment to Independence

Our values

  • Fierce Independence

    We maintain objectivity and credibility by remaining independent of any federal or state agency and owing no special allegiance to any private concern.

  • Nonpartisanship

    We are strictly nonpartisan and have a track record of divorcing political issues from policy challenges.

  • Data-Driven

    We are rigorously data-driven and will always distinguish between facts and opinion.

  • Collaboration

    We value extensive collaboration with similar organizations, as well as with industry, academia, and all levels of government.

05 · Leadership & Organization

Our leadership

We consist of a Board of Regents, Senior Fellows, scholars on staff, and affiliates with scientific, technical, managerial, and policy expertise across the national security enterprise. Political, social, and technical scientists work together across topic areas to collect, synthesize, and analyze data to create robust recommendations.

06 · Research Expertise

Where we work

Research Library

Topic list is provisional, pending client approval.

07 · Academic Integrity

Statement of Academic Integrity

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  1. 01The Potomac Institute is strictly nonpartisan.
  2. 02The Potomac Institute will always distinguish between facts and opinions.
  3. 03Findings and recommendations will be based on rigorous data and analysis.
  4. 04The Potomac Institute is fiercely independent.
  5. 05The Potomac Institute will never claim credit for content, words, phrases, nor ideas that belong to others.

08 · Contact & Engagement

Work with an independent partner.

Contact the Institute2024 Annual Report (opens in new tab)