STUDY TO DEVELOP IMPROVED IMPACT-ON-SOCIETY METRICS.

SEC. 521. STUDY TO DEVELOP IMPROVED IMPACT-ON-SOCIETY METRICS. (a) In general.—Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences to initiate a study to evaluate, develop, or improve metrics for measuring the potential impact-on-society, including— (1) the potential for commercial applications of research studies funded in whole or in part by grants of financial assistance from the Foundation or other Federal agencies; (2) the manner in which research conducted at, and individuals graduating from, an institution of higher education contribute to the development of new intellectual property and the success of commercial activities; (3) the quality of relevant scientific and international publications; and (4) the ability of such institutions to attract external research funding. (b) Report.—Within 1 year after initiating the study required by subsection (a), the Director shall submit a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology setting forth the Director’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations.