The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has released its Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2022-2026 Strategic Plan (SP) outlining the department's goals to strengthen the country's economy and global competitiveness.
DOC stated its Strategic Plan, released March 28, details "an agenda for innovation, resilience and equity" that focuses on five goals to develop an economic environment that allows all communities opportunity to grow and prosper. The DOC also published a "learning agenda" as a companion to the SP to allow the department's bureaus to track and document program results, DOC states in the SP announcement.
“Everything we do at the Department is focused on increasing America’s competitiveness in the global economy,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the announcement. “With this plan, we are positioning America’s workers and businesses for success in the 21st century. And all Americans, especially those that have been historically excluded, will share in our prosperity."
The first of the SP's five goals, according to the DOC, is to increase opportunities for U.S. businesses, innovators and workers by creating strong supply chains; supporting new and strategic technologies and cyber security; protecting intellectual property; enforcing trade rules; and building strong partnerships with trade allies.
The DOC's second goal, the department reports, is to create an economy that bolsters all Americans and turns "short-term growth into long-term prosperity" by expanding internet access in underserved communities and rural areas, providing incentives for business development and innovation; and job-training programs.
"Once in-a-generation investments in broadband and economic development will empower entrepreneurs in all regions of the country," the DOC states in the announcement. "Smart workforce development will align workers’ skills with industry needs and provide wraparound support so job seekers can successfully complete their training."
Among the other goals detailed in the SP are to confront the climate crisis by speeding the development of clean technologies, mitigation strategies, restoration programs and preparation investments. These strategies will enable the DOC to "combat climate change, protect the ocean, and lead the world toward a clean energy future while creating millions of good-paying jobs," the announcement states.
The DOC reports it will strive to create a level playing field for American workers and businesses in the global economy by leveraging scientific and statistical tools; and to ensure its bureaus deliver results to American businesses and workers, it will streamline its own operations by deploying smart technology and modernizing hiring and procurement systems.
