Vision and Framework for Strategy and Planning
Published August 2005

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Next Steps

The CCTP’s next steps focus on two broad thrusts. First, the CCTP will continue to provide support to the Cabinet-level CCCSTI and IWG on Climate Change Science and Technology. Support will include, but is not limited to, multi-agency planning, portfolio reviews, interagency coordination, technical and other analyses, and formulation of recommendations. The CCTP will strive to provide support that, collectively, will suffice to enable CCCSTI and the IWG to address issues, make informed decisions, and weigh policies and priorities on related science and technology matters to the President and the agencies.

Second, the CCTP will continue to work with and support the participating agencies in developing plans and carrying out activities needed to advance the attainment of the CCTP’s vision, mission and strategic goals. For each CCTP strategic goal, to the extent suitable for each goal, agency plans, and activities will be guided by and will pursue the seven core approaches. Selected elements of these approaches are outlined below, although not all elements will be pursued at once.

Approach 1:
Strengthen Climate Change Technology R&D

• Continue to review, realign, reprioritize, and expand, where appropriate, Federal support for climate change technology research, development, demonstration, and deployment.
• Periodically assess the adequacy of the multi-agency portfolio with respect to its ability to achieve, or make technical progress toward, CCTP strategic goal attainment; identify gaps, opportunities, and make recommendations.
• In key technology areas, perform long-term assessments of technology potentials, including market considerations and potentially limiting factors.

Approach 2:
Strengthen Basic Research Contributions

• Establish or improve within each of the participating Federal R&D agencies a process for the integration with, and application of, basic research to help overcome barriers impeding technical progress on climate change technology development.
• Develop means for expanding participation in climate change technology R&D, including relevant strategic and exploratory research at universities and other non-Federal research institutions.

Approach 3:
Enhance Opportunities for Partnerships

• Review status and encourage further formation of public-private partnerships as a common mode of conducting R&D portfolio planning, program execution, and related technology demonstration, transfer, and commercialization activities.

Approach 4:
Increase International Cooperation

• Expand international participation in key climate change technology activities; build on the cooperative international initiatives already underway.
• Assist the State Department and CCSP in the coordination of U.S. input and support of the IPCC’s periodic assessment reports, especially in areas relating to mitigation; the IPCC special reports such as that on carbon capture and storage; and other relevant activities, as means of stimulating international efforts to develop advanced technologies.
• Support continued efforts to negotiate and execute bilateral agreements that encourage international cooperation on climate change science and technology research and development.
• Pursue additional means to enhance the effective use of existing international organizations, such as OECD, IPCC, IEA, G8, and others, to shape expanded R&D on climate change technology development abroad.
• Develop globally integrated approaches to foster capacity building in developing countries and enable the transfer and development of advanced climate change technology.

Approach 5:
Support Cutting-Edge Technology Demonstrations

• As part of the agencies’ regular planning and budgeting processes, consider additional cutting-edge technology demonstrations relevant to CCTP strategic goals.

Approach 6:
Ensure a Viable Technology Workforce of the Future

• Explore the establishment of graduate fellowships for promising candidates who seek a career in climate-change-related technology R&D.
• Explore possibilities of expanding internships related to climate change technology development in Federal agencies, national and other laboratories, and other Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).
• Explore possibilities for establishing CCTP-sponsored educational curricula in K-12 programs related to climate change and advanced technology options.

Approach 7:
Provide Supporting Technology Policy

• Evaluate various technology policy options for stimulating private sector investment in CCTP-related research, development and experimentation activities.
• Evaluate various technology policy options for stimulating private investment in advanced technology related to climate change or other GHG-related investments, and/or for accelerating the experimentation with and adoption of advanced climate change technology.
• Evaluate various technology policy options for stimulating land-use and land management practices that promote carbon sequestration and GHG emission reductions.

As these approaches are pursued, CCTP’s activities will be advised by the CCTP Steering Group, carried out in conjunction with the multi-agency CCTP Working Groups, informed by inputs from varied sources, and supported by CCTP staff and resources. Results will be conveyed to the CCCSTI via the IWG. The CCTP also plans to issue reports, as warranted by ongoing or emerging developments, regarding its current activities, future plans and research progress.