Phillip Singerman

Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Renewing American Innovation
Phillip Singerman

Phillip Singerman is a recognized national innovator in public–private partnerships to promote economic development, job creation, and national security. His five-decade career includes senior executive positions in the private and public sectors at the local, state, and federal levels. He currently serves as a senior advisor to the American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative; member of the board of directors, Maryland Technology Development Corporation; and an affiliate at the Technology Partnership Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as well as an elected fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration. From 2010 to 2020, he was the first associate director for Innovation and Industry Services at NIST, one of the agency’s three senior career executives, and responsible for NIST’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute National Network. From 1995 to 1999, he served as the U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, where he directed the Economic Development Administration. He was the founding chief executive of two of the best-known technology-led economic development public–private partnerships: Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Partnership for Technological Innovation (1983–1995) and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (1999–2005). His private sector experience includes serving as venture partner with Toucan Capital Corporation, a $120 million private venture capital firm investing in early-stage life science companies, and senior vice president, B&D Consulting. He received his BA from Oberlin College and his PhD from Yale University and taught at Barnard College (Columbia University), Yale University, and the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Leveraging SBIR for Quantum Commercialization and Supply Chain Growth

The U.S. government is spending far too little on efforts to commercialize quantum technologies. Its SBIR and STTR programs provide critical early-stage funding to stabilize the domestic supply chain and bridge the “valley of death” for small firms. 

Report by Phillip Singerman and Hideki Tomoshige — March 30, 2026

Government as a Demand Creator for the Quantum Industry

To secure quantum leadership, the federal government should act as a credible demand creator—not just a funder of research and development and an ecosystem enabler. A federal funding ladder de-risks private investment and carries quantum technologies across the valley of death.

Commentary by Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman — March 16, 2026

Investing in National Assets for Quantum Commercialization

Decades of public investment, world class research institutions, and the emergence of multiple high-performing regional innovation ecosystems have positioned the United States as a leader in quantum. Yet this position is neither assured nor self-sustaining.

Commentary by Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman — March 16, 2026

Chicago’s Emerging Quantum Innovation Cluster

Chicago is emerging as a major U.S. hub for quantum technology. Backed by world-class research institutions, strong state investment, and growing federal support, the region is building a powerful innovation ecosystem.

Report by Sujai Shivakumar, Charles Wessner, Thomas Howell, Phillip Singerman, and Hideki Tomoshige — March 16, 2026

A National Asset: The Colorado Quantum Ecosystem

The Colorado quantum ecosystem is a vital source of national competitiveness. Long-term institutional support and funding are needed to scale fundamental research and maintain a robust ecosystem.

Report by Sujai Shivakumar, Charles Wessner, Thomas Howell, Phillip Singerman, Hideki Tomoshige, and Giulio Busulini — February 20, 2026

Understanding China’s Quest for Quantum Advancement

China's investments in quantum technology began with foundational research in 2001. This article examines where China stands today in its efforts to build capabilities across five quantum technology areas and how it is pursuing quantum innovation leadership.

Report by Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman — January 29, 2026

Growing the Midwest Quantum Ecosystem

Discussions will explore the region’s assets and capabilities, the challenges and opportunities for small (and large) firms, as well as the need for improved cooperation across the emerging ecosystem. 

Event — September 30, 2025

Progress Toward Practical Areas of Quantum Technology

Development of different quantum technologies is progressing at different speeds. Closely monitoring technological advancements in five key areas will be key to implementing quantum policy effectively.

Commentary by Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman — July 15, 2025

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Progress Toward Practical Areas of Quantum Technology

An audio version of “⁠Progress Toward Practical Areas of Quantum Technology⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman — July 15, 2025

Audio Briefs