The letter, dated November 1, 2001, from National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice to Dr. Harold Brown of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, addresses concerns raised by the Council on the Future of Technology and Public Policy regarding export controls and their impact on fundamental scientific research. Rice acknowledges the pivotal role of open and collaborative basic research in maintaining the United States’ technological leadership and underscores the strong connection between free academic exchange, innovation, prosperity, and national security. She highlights the increasing reliance of U.S. armed forces on external rather than internal innovation, amplifying the significance of an open research environment.
Rice assures that the Administration is committed to reviewing and updating export control policies as part of a comprehensive technology transfer controls review set to commence that year. In the meantime, she reiterates that the existing policy on the transfer of scientific, technical, and engineering information, as established in NSDD-189, will remain in effect and be properly enforced. Concluding, Rice expresses gratitude for the input from the Council and anticipates continued collaboration as the Administration evaluates these issues in the coming months.
