Washington, D.C. — A new report from the Center for American Progress shows how federal investments in regional technology hubs by the CHIPS and Science Act can benefit underserved communities and spur economic growth across the country.
One of the major components of the law—the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program—aims to ensure that this funding is equitably distributed nationwide in ways that benefit women, Black, Latino, Native American, low-income, and other underrepresented communities.
The report urges the U.S. Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration to take the following actions to ensure equity and inclusion across technology sectors:
- Follow through on commitments to ensure Tech Hubs program sites incorporate minority-serving institutions and community colleges that can offer students and faculty opportunities for research, development, and manufacturing.
- The program should consider ways to attract and retain women in the science and technology workforce, including by providing affordable child care options, equitable pay, and stronger protections against sexual discrimination in the workplace.
- The program should support entrepreneurship among historically underrepresented communities, including by investing in entrepreneurial mentorship and training programs.
Read the report: “The CHIPS and Science Act Will Bring Technology and Manufacturing Investment to Rural Areas and Communities of Color” by Ashleigh Maciolek, Justine Gluck, Sara Partridge, and Sydney Bryant
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].