Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies
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Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) is a recently established office within the Department of Energy (DOE), launched to leverage DOE’s scientific and technical capabilities in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and semiconductors to enhance U.S. competitiveness and security.
Mission
The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies seeks to harness DOE’s vast resources, including its 17 National Laboratories, to maintain U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies (CET) vital for economic growth and national defense. It coordinates DOE’s efforts to integrate these technologies into energy, science, and security solutions, fosters responsible innovation like trustworthy AI, and builds strategic partnerships with industry and academia to accelerate technological breakthroughs.[1]
Parent organization
The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies operates directly under the Department of Energy, reporting to the Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, and serves as a pivotal coordinator within DOE’s broader mission structure.[2]
Legislation
The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies was not created by specific legislation but was established in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on AI issued October 30, 2023, with its formal launch announced on December 12, 2023.[3]
Partners
- DOE National Laboratories for technical expertise
- Industry leaders for technology integration[4]
- Academic institutions for research collaboration
Number of employees
The exact number of employees in CET is not publicly specified, as it operates within DOE’s broader workforce of over 14,000.[5]
Organization structure
CET is structured to unify DOE’s efforts in emerging technologies:
Leader
The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies is headed by a Director, who also serves as DOE’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer.[6]
Divisions
The divisions include:
- AI Coordination Team for governance and innovation.[7]
- Technology Integration Team for cross-program alignment.
- Partnership Development Team for external collaborations.
List of programs
- AI Talent Pilot Program[8]
- Quantum Science Research Support
- Biotechnology Advancement Initiatives
Last total enacted budget
The specific budget for CET is not publicly isolated, as it’s funded within DOE’s broader FY 2024 budget of $10.1 billion, with initial seed funding tied to the AI Executive Order.[9]
Staff
CET employs scientists, policy experts, and technology specialists, though exact numbers are not detailed separately from DOE’s staff; its Director, Helena Fu, also serves as Chief AI Officer.[10]
Funding
CET’s funding began with allocations following the 2023 AI Executive Order, integrated into DOE’s annual appropriations, with ongoing support from interagency and private-sector partnerships.[11]
Services provided
The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies coordinates DOE’s technology efforts, supports policymaking with technical insights, develops partnerships to advance tech integration, and governs AI use to ensure safety and innovation across DOE’s missions.[12]
Regulations overseen
CET does not directly oversee federal regulations but supports DOE’s compliance with AI and technology-related policies under the 2023 Executive Order.[13]
Headquarters address
1000 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20585
History
The Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies was launched on December 12, 2023, following President Biden’s October 30, 2023, Executive Order on AI, replacing DOE’s earlier Office for Artificial Intelligence and Technology to broaden its focus across critical technologies, reflecting DOE’s strategic priority shift.[14]
External links
References
- ↑ "Office of CET". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/office-critical-and-emerging-technologies.
- ↑ "DOE Launches CET Office". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-launches-new-office-coordinate-critical-and-emerging-technology.
- ↑ "DOE Launches CET Office". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-launches-new-office-coordinate-critical-and-emerging-technology.
- ↑ "Office of CET". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/office-critical-and-emerging-technologies.
- ↑ "About DOE". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/about-us.
- ↑ "DOE Launches CET Office". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-launches-new-office-coordinate-critical-and-emerging-technology.
- ↑ "AI at DOE". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/artificial-intelligence-doe.
- ↑ "AI at DOE". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/artificial-intelligence-doe.
- ↑ "FY 2024 Budget". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/doe-fy-2024-budget-volume-1-v4.pdf.
- ↑ "DOE Launches CET Office". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-launches-new-office-coordinate-critical-and-emerging-technology.
- ↑ "Office of CET". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/office-critical-and-emerging-technologies.
- ↑ "Office of CET". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/office-critical-and-emerging-technologies.
- ↑ "AI at DOE". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/cet/artificial-intelligence-doe.
- ↑ "DOE Launches CET Office". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-launches-new-office-coordinate-critical-and-emerging-technology.