Our Mission
The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, science and technology (S&T) policy research institute. The Institute identifies and leads discussions on key S&T and national security issues facing our society, providing an academic forum for the study of related policy issues. Based on data and evidence, we develop meaningful policy recommendations and ensure their implementation at the intersection of business and government.
Our Challenge
Advances in fields such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, bioengineering, robotics, and nanotechnology are revolutionizing our way of life, from manufacturing to medicine. Disruptive technologies present unique challenges and, all too often, policy ideation and implementation lag behind technology adoption. The Potomac Institute seeks to (1) identify key emerging technologies or scientific fields with disruptive potential, (2) anticipate and understand the likely societal-level impacts of these technologies, and (3) recommend meaningful policy options to the government. The Institute is keenly aware that implementation is the most difficult component of policy work. As a result, we do not merely conduct a world class study and provide a report. We roll up our sleeves as a think and “do” tank!
Our History
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. Over the decades, the Potomac Institute has become the “go-to” place for independent, objective, and informed S&T policy and analysis. 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.
Statement of Academic and Research Integrity
The Potomac Institute is strictly non-partisan. Partisan political opinions will not influence findings of fact and recommendations in the Institute’s publications and presentations. The Institute will not advocate for political positions but will instead be driven by data and a balanced analysis of alternative outcomes from the status quo as determined from data. Science and technology policy, in all forms, is in public service to benefit society, and not a partisan activity.
The Potomac Institute will always distinguish between facts and opinions. Opinions of experts may be gathered as part of the research process, but will be presented as opinions, and attributed in a way that indicates potential sources of bias. Further, a balance of countervailing opinions will be considered as part of the research and presented with analysis.
Findings and recommendations will be based on rigorous data and analysis and will identify levels of uncertainty that might be due to sample bias, group think, measurement errors, or other sources of uncertainty. Science and technology policy often involves assessments of potential developments, future breakthroughs, and applications that might develop from technology advances. The Potomac Institute will fairly assess such possibilities with an understanding of the degree of uncertainty, as determined from multiple opinions, consultation with experts, and sound scientific judgement.
The Potomac Institute is fiercely independent. The Institute will not accept financial support or other influences for purposes other than in service to the Institute mission. The outcome of studies, recommendations, and Institute publications will not be based on predetermined positions or desired outcomes by sponsors. The Institute will regularly solicit frank information from sources with guarantees that the source will not be attributed. This is done to obtain accurate information that is not biased by interests imposed on sources. Outcomes of studies and conclusions reached by the Institute will reflect truths and analysis decoupled from financial interests of individuals and individual businesses, personal interests, fads, and hype. Institute advice and recommendations will be determined by an Institute review processes, reflecting considered analysis, best available science, and judgements from multiple senior-level advisors.
The Potomac Institute, in its publications and presentations, will never claim credit for content, words, phrases, nor ideas that belong to others. Citation of sources will be used whenever feasible. When sources are derived from non-attributable interviews (e.g., when “off the record”), then the fact of such sources will be cited without individual identification. The Institute will never reveal sources when non-attribution was guaranteed.