By the 2020s, Commerce found itself at the forefront of issues like semiconductor supply chains and artificial intelligence governance, roles unimaginable at its inception. This historical evolution – from a small bureau in 1903 to a multifaceted cabinet department – shows how Commerce’s role has expanded as the U.S. economy grew more complex. Each major milestone added a new dimension to the Department, shaping it into an agency that today handles everything from patents to climate satellites. The Department of Commerce (DOC) has a broad mandate to fx choice review promote economic growth and foster job creation for the American people. It has cross-cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship, and statistical research and analysis. To support this important work, the President’s Budget proposes $8.8 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Commerce, a decrease of $5.1 billion from the 2010 enacted level.
The Department of Commerce accounted for 0.2% of all federal spending in FY 2024.
The organizational structure of the Department is in a way with its secretary at its apex and a special secretary, a financial advisor, additional secretary/secretary rank officers, joint secretary/secretary level officers, and many other senior officers. The divisions under the Department of Commerce are the International Trade Policy Division, the Foreign Trade Territorial Division, the Export Product Division, the Economic Division, and the Administration and General Services Division. The Department of Commerce functions as a backbone, continually working behind the scenes, ensuring that the United States remains economically vibrant and globally competitive.
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As Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, this effort is “an investment in America’s long-term economic and national security” – reducing reliance on foreign-made chips and creating tens of thousands of high-tech manufacturing jobs. The DOC set up a CHIPS Program Office (within NIST) to manage grants and coordinate with industry, moving swiftly to solicit proposals for new semiconductor facilities. By strengthening the domestic semiconductor industry, Commerce aims to bolster innovation, protect the supply of chips for everything from cars to defense systems, and give the U.S. a competitive edge in technologies of the future.
The Department plays an important role in the liberalization and rationalization of FDI policy and turns India into an attractive destination for investment.. It has introduced a 100% FDI policy for most industries, except for some strategically important sectors, with full flexibility, ease of investment, and simple procedures. The Department of Commerce mainly focuses on formulating and signing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with other economies and maintaining cordial relations with them. It also has the additional responsibility of creating Special Economic Zones across the nation by identifying potential landmarks, boosting exports by enhancing production and promotion, implementing rules and regulations for trade, and encouraging trade among states.
Since 2023, it has led U.S. government activities related to safe artificial intelligence development and, from 1913 to 1939, it managed the National Aquarium. The Department fosters the innovation and invention that underpin the U.S. comparative advantage. Its scientists research emerging technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI). USPTO’s intellectual property (IP) protections ensure American innovators profit from their work. Additionally, for any Form(s) BE-10B, BE-10C or BE-10D filed, the Reporter must disclose similar information pertaining to its Foreign Affiliates. The ITA is responsible for successfully administering trade agreements with countries with desirable natural resources.
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- For example, the DOC has partnered with allies to promote secure and transparent 5G telecom networks and is exploring standards for cutting-edge fields like cryptography and autonomous systems.
- In the late 1890s, pressure grew to establish a Department of Commerce to represent the interests of business.
- For startups and minority-owned firms, MBDA’s business centers offer mentorship and help in securing contracts, boosting their competitiveness.
- The Department has acknowledged this by prioritizing “advancing emerging and critical technologies” in its strategic goals.
Over the years, there have been discussions about whether some functions (like NOAA) might fit better elsewhere, but Commerce has made a case that its diversity is a strength, enabling integrated economic strategies. Future success will depend on modernizing infrastructure and capabilities across all bureaus – for example, updating Census data collection with new technology, upgrading NOAA’s satellite systems, and improving customer service for patent applicants. The strategic plan calls for providing “21st century service with 21st century capabilities”, which includes streamlining procurement and hiring so that Commerce can recruit top talent (data scientists, economists, engineers) and deploy resources efficiently. Embracing digital tools (like more online services for businesses to interact with Commerce or open data platforms for public use of Commerce data) is likely to continue.
Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program
At its core, the Department’s mission is “to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity” according to the Department’s official about page. This means fostering a vibrant economy where businesses can thrive and communities prosper. The DOC promotes job creation and fair trade, supplies vital data for business and government decisions, and spurs technological innovation through research and standards as described in its mission statement and Wikipedia overview. In practical terms, Commerce seeks to help American industries compete globally, ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies and workers, and encourage sustainable economic development that benefits all communities. The Department’s strategic goals have evolved to emphasize American competitiveness, inclusive growth, and national economic security in the 21st century, as outlined in its strategic plan. Through its trade promotion and enforcement efforts, the Department helps companies expand into new markets while guarding them against unfair foreign competition.
The U.S. Census Bureau, a key bureau under the Department, conducts the decennial census, collecting data that is crucial for legislative representation and allocation of federal funds. A variety lexatrade review of topics will be covered, and when registering, participants can specify whether they will attend in person or via webinar, and which sessions they would like to participate in. The USPTO is eager to hear public input on patent quality, and is planning additional events throughout the country in the upcoming year. Wemust ensure that President Obama can utilize the same tools to negotiateand implement new trade agreements that have been afforded to every Presidentsince President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s.
The USPTO wants to hear from everyone, from longtime patent owners to Main Street retailers who may have only recently begun to focus on patents; from patent prosecutors to patent litigators; and from patent applicants to patent licensees. By engaging all stakeholders, the USPTO is working to build a world-class patent quality system together. Comprised of 12 different agencies responsible for everything from weather forecasts to patent protection, the Commerce Department touches the lives of Americans every day. President Theodore Roosevelt believed that business and labor should work together; so, as pressure for a Department of Commerce grew, he used the opportunity to elevate Labor to Cabinet status as well.
- However, the determination of the percentage of voting interest of a general partner is based on who controls the partnership, not based on the percentage of ownership in the partnership’s equity.
- As Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, this effort is “an investment in America’s long-term economic and national security” – reducing reliance on foreign-made chips and creating tens of thousands of high-tech manufacturing jobs.
- Pressure from the labor movement, which felt that business and labor were working in opposition, led to the split of the two departments in 1913.
- In practical terms, Commerce seeks to help American industries compete globally, ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies and workers, and encourage sustainable economic development that benefits all communities.
- No information contained in reports may be published or made available in such a manner that the person to whom the information relates can be specifically identified.
- The failure of a Reporter to fulfill its reporting obligation could result in a civil penalty or injunctive relief commanding such Reporter to comply, or both.
Today, NIST conducts cutting-edge research in physics, engineering, and cyber-security, setting standards (like for timekeeping, weights and measures, and advanced materials) that enable new technologies to flourish. By supporting innovation and cutting-edge manufacturers, NIST helps create the technical foundations for new industries and high-paying jobs. For example, NIST’s work on quantum computing or advanced communications standards can pave the way for American companies to lead in those fields. AsCommerce Secretary under President Clinton, I led a number of efforts to opennew markets to U.S. goods and services, and to help American companies navigatethe trade landscape in foreign countries. I visited more than 40 countriesto promote U.S. exports, expanded the Department’s overseas commercial staff tosupport U.S. exporters, and aggressively monitored the impact of tradepractices of other nations on U.S. business and workers. I saw firsthand howfree trade agreements benefited American cryptocurrency broker canada businesses, and supported good-payingjobs for American workers.
The Department of Commerce’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was lower than in FY 1980.
Through NTIA, Commerce is administering the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a $42+ billion initiative (funded by the 2021 infrastructure law) to expand broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas. This “once-in-a-generation” investment in broadband aims to ensure that rural towns, low-income urban neighborhoods, and Tribal lands all gain affordable internet access. In practice, the Department is working with state governments and local partners to fund the construction of fiber-optic networks, improve connectivity in schools and libraries, and promote digital literacy. The focus on broadband ties into Commerce’s priority of equitable economic growth – recognizing that internet connectivity is now a fundamental driver of education, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $800,000 grant to The Industrial Commons in Morganton, North Carolina, to support textile manufacturing in the region. This grant will provide for personnel and equipment in support of expanding the local textile production industry. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $2.6 million grant to New Garden Park Inc., in Worcester, Massachusetts, for roadway and utility infrastructure improvements to support the manufacturing sector in the region.
Understanding the Department of Commerce requires delving deep into its central functions. A closer look reveals three pivotal roles that make this Department essential and position it as a cornerstone of American economic growth. The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is investing $9 million in the state of Kentucky to boost the automotive manufacturing sector and promote small business development in the region. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.6 million grant to the city of Harbor Beach, Michigan, for water infrastructure improvements to boost manufacturing growth in the region. This grant will construct a higher capacity watermain to serve the regional water system and large industrial users in a region affected by the declining use of coal. As the Department of Commerce looks to the future, it faces several challenges in fulfilling its mission, as well as opportunities to expand its role in new directions.
A small manufacturer, for instance, can receive guidance from Commerce’s Commercial Service on exporting its products overseas, or benefit from a trade agreement that lowers tariffs on its goods. Companies also rely on Commerce for technology and innovation support – NIST’s manufacturing programs and technical standards enable firms to adopt the latest technologies and improve quality. Patent protection via USPTO safeguards entrepreneurs’ inventions, giving them confidence to invest in R&D. For startups and minority-owned firms, MBDA’s business centers offer mentorship and help in securing contracts, boosting their competitiveness. Moreover, the economic data published by Commerce (like consumer spending trends or demographic shifts) is invaluable for businesses to plan investments, target customers, and manage supply chains. In these ways, the Department “helps American businesses drive economic growth and job creation” by providing tools, information, and a fair trading environment.
