Steering American Innovation: Inside the Mission of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

In an era defined by rapid technological change, the United States finds itself at a crossroads—where the power of innovation collides with national security, economic strategy, and global leadership. Few understand the stakes and the machinery of action better than Michael Kratsios, who currently serves as the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

In a recent fireside chat, Kratsios unpacked how the White House is navigating the unprecedented pace of scientific advancement and its implications for everything from artificial intelligence to biotechnology. The OSTP is not merely a think tank nestled in the Executive Office—it is the nerve center for U.S. policy coordination on science and technology across the federal government.

A Mandate to Coordinate National Innovation

Kratsios began by setting the foundation: “OSTP is one of the four key policy offices in the White House,” he explained. “Alongside economic, domestic, and national security policy offices, OSTP plays a pivotal role in steering science and technology strategy.” But what makes this office unique is not just its purview—it’s the scale of its orchestration.

Science and technology policy in the U.S. is dispersed across numerous agencies: NIH handles health research, NSF focuses on basic science, the Department of Defense invests in high-end technologies for defense applications, and so on. The OSTP serves as the policy conductor, ensuring these various instruments play in harmony with the President’s vision.

So when the President declares, “America must lead in artificial intelligence,” it’s OSTP’s job to turn that declaration into coordinated action—making sure the Department of Energy, NASA, HHS, DOD, and others each contribute effectively to that goal.

The Golden Age of American Innovation

Kratsios framed the moment as a “golden age of American innovation,” a phrase echoed by President Trump in previous remarks. The role of the White House, he emphasized, is not to stifle innovation with heavy-handed regulation but to “promote and protect” it.

This dual strategy—promotion and protection—serves as a balancing act. On one side, the OSTP works to catalyze research, encourage private-sector breakthroughs, and foster a competitive edge in fields like AI, quantum information science, and nuclear energy. On the other, it’s equally focused on safeguarding these technologies through measures such as export controls and strategic investments to prevent adversaries from exploiting American innovation.

Artificial Intelligence: A Keystone Technology

No conversation about emerging technologies is complete without a deep dive into artificial intelligence. AI, according to Kratsios, is more than a scientific endeavor—it’s a national imperative.

“AI touches every part of our lives—from healthcare to defense to agriculture,” he noted. “We are focused on making sure the U.S. remains the world leader in AI development and responsible deployment.” Under his leadership, OSTP has driven major initiatives such as the American AI Initiative, designed to enhance research funding, build the AI workforce, and set standards for trustworthy AI.

Importantly, the OSTP approach is rooted in open innovation. Rather than building walls around AI technologies, the strategy promotes collaboration with universities, startups, and allies to create a vibrant and competitive ecosystem.

Quantum, Biotech, and Beyond

While AI often grabs headlines, Kratsios emphasized that it’s just one piece of a broader tech puzzle. Quantum information science, for instance, represents a revolutionary leap in computing and encryption. The OSTP has been instrumental in laying down a national strategy, including partnerships with the private sector to build quantum testbeds and infrastructure.

Biotechnology also sits high on the agenda. From pandemic preparedness to agricultural productivity, advances in biotech can improve lives and bolster economic resilience. The OSTP is working to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of this space, both in innovation and in ethical frameworks for its use.

A Public-Private Future

Kratsios’ unique background—straddling the private and public sectors—has shaped OSTP’s approach to engagement. Before entering public service, he worked at Scale AI and invested in early-stage technology firms. This lens has made him a staunch advocate for integrating Silicon Valley dynamism into government strategy.

“We need to meet innovators where they are,” he said, underscoring efforts to streamline partnerships, reduce red tape, and attract private capital to national challenges.

OSTP has also been working to modernize research and development (R&D) infrastructure. This includes not only boosting federal R&D spending but also reforming tech transfer policies so discoveries in federal labs can make their way into market-ready solutions faster.

National Security Meets Innovation

Perhaps the most profound shift in recent years has been the convergence of national security and innovation. Technologies like semiconductors, AI, and hypersonics are no longer just academic or commercial—they are battlegrounds of geopolitical influence.

Kratsios spoke about “strategic decoupling,” including export controls that prevent sensitive technologies from being exploited by rival nations. But rather than isolating America, these policies are about smart engagement—ensuring the U.S. and its allies can cooperate on shared innovation goals while guarding against threats.

“We want to lead in building a trusted global ecosystem,” he explained. That includes setting global norms and standards that reflect democratic values, not authoritarian control.

Regulation with a Light Touch

Despite the growing importance of technology, Kratsios cautioned against heavy-handed regulation. The goal is to ensure innovation continues at speed, while still addressing real concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and cybersecurity.

OSTP’s philosophy has leaned on “risk-based” regulation: allowing experimentation and scaling in low-risk environments, while tightening oversight where consequences are more serious—such as AI in medical devices or autonomous vehicles.

This regulatory posture is also designed to avoid a patchwork of conflicting state laws that could stifle national innovation. The OSTP is working with Congress, agencies, and industry to find the right balance.

The Next Generation of Talent

Kratsios ended with a forward-looking note on workforce development. To win the future, the U.S. must invest not only in technology, but in people.

From K–12 STEM education to community college reskilling programs, OSTP is spearheading initiatives to prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Diversity and inclusion are core components—ensuring the innovation economy is one where all Americans have a stake and a path to contribute.

Final Thoughts

As Michael Kratsios continues to lead America’s scientific and technological charge, one thing is clear: the role of the OSTP has never been more critical. At a time when the stakes of innovation stretch across war rooms, boardrooms, and classrooms, his office is the linchpin of national strategy.

Whether it’s shaping AI policy, building quantum infrastructure, or defending the innovation ecosystem from foreign threats, the OSTP’s work represents the heart of a 21st-century national agenda. In Kratsios’ words, “We are not just witnessing the future—we are building it.”

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