BIS Establishes Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Industry and Security today announced the establishment of the Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee (ETRAC).  The new committee will assist BIS in evaluating currently controlled technologies and emerging technologies which may have national security significance.

“The formation of the ETRAC is a significant step towards the continued refinement of U.S. export control policies through public-private sector collaboration,” said Under Secretary Mancuso.  “The ETRAC will help ensure that we are protecting U.S. national security interests while preserving U.S. leadership in scientific and commercial technology innovation."

The ETRAC will provide recommendations to BIS on how to help keep the Commerce  Control List current with respect to emerging technologies and research and development activities that have dual-use applications.  The committee will assess new and existing regulatory controls that are of greatest consequence to U.S. national security and study the implications of the release of dual-use technology to foreign nationals under current deemed exports licensing requirements.

On January 22, 2008, the President issued a dual-use export control directive in which he directed the Secretary of Commerce to implement programs to assess whether regulations “control the export and reexport of sensitive items while minimizing the impact on U.S. competitiveness and innovation.”   The establishment of the ETRAC also responded to a recommendation of the Deemed Export Advisory Committee, which was formed by Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and issued a report entitled The Deemed Export Rule in the Era of Globalization.

Qualified leaders in industry, academia and research are encouraged to apply; further information can be found in the Federal Register Notice. Members should have in-depth knowledge of U.S. research and emerging technology that could affect U.S. national security.  

About BIS
Under Secretary Mario Mancuso leads BIS, which promotes continued U.S. strategic technology leadership and helps to advance national security, foreign policy and economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system.

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