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Industry Partnerships

The Industrial Technologies Program forms public-private partnerships to focus the combined strengths of business and government on solutions to complex problems. These partnerships follow ITP to select appropriate targets for research and development (R&D). The process begins with industry defining its own vision and long-term goals. Next, industry develops a technology roadmap with specific R&D pathways. ITP then overlays the priorities of the roadmap with other analytical studies to identify the best opportunities for saving energy and helping to meet national goals for energy and the environment. Finally, ITP and industry share the costs of R&D projects that can significantly improve energy efficiency.

The Chemicals IOF works in partnership with the Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology Partnership, a group of executives from major U.S. chemical companies, to identify research priorities with broad applicability in the chemicals industry. Vision2020 was formally established in 2001 to represent the needs of the entire chemical industry, bridging diverse interests and creating a unified voice. By partnering with Vision2020 and fostering collaboration with chemical industry trade organizations, the Chemicals IOF leverages public and private resources and ensures the application of research results.

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Chemicals Industry Vision

Chemical industry leaders articulated a long-term vision for the industry, its markets, and its technology in the groundbreaking 1996 document Technology Vision 2020 - The U.S. Chemical Industry. (PDF 310 KB).

Roadmaps for a Complex Industry

A series of technology roadmaps in diverse, critical areas identify the priorities and performance targets for the chemical industry. Roadmaps are used to identify opportunities for industry collaboration and to guide Federal R&D spending. Completed Roadmaps developed for the chemical industry include:

• Biocatalysis
  Combinatorial Chemistry (PDF 1.7 MB)
• Computational Chemistry
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Hybrid Separations/Distillation (PDF 316 KB)
• Ionic Liquids
• Materials Technology
• Nanomaterials
• New Process Chemistry
• Process Equipment Materials Technology
• Reaction Engineering
• Separations 2000

Workshop reports identifying industry priorities that can be used in roadmap development include:

• Alternative Media, Conditions, and Raw Materials (PDF 345 KB)
• Catalysis
• Process Measurement and Control: Industry Needs (PDF 174 KB)

Within the U.S. chemical industry, the completed roadmaps have stimulated collaboration and launched numerous new partnerships. These partnerships facilitate technological advances, which in turn, meet societal demands for chemical-based products and address our national goals for energy and environmental quality. Chemical companies that take part in partnerships are accomplishing the following:

• Forming technology teams and networks to leverage government funds and access to top scientific expertise and facilities.
• Gaining a competitive edge by building on pre-competitive technical developments that lead to private innovation and commercialization of technologies.
• Helping to guide technology development that promotes sustainable growth for the industry.
• Enhancing public perception of the chemical industry by demonstrating a commitment to energy savings and environmental performance.