Partisan political opinions will not influence findings of fact and recommendations in the Institute’s publications and presentations. The Institute will not advocate for political positions but will instead be driven by data and a balanced analysis of alternative outcomes from the status quo as determined from data. Science and technology policy, in all forms, is in public service to benefit society, and not a partisan activity.

Opinions of experts may be gathered as part of the research process, but will be presented as opinions, and attributed in a way that indicates potential sources of bias. Further, a balance of countervailing opinions will be considered as part of the research and presented with analysis.

Our studies will identify levels of uncertainty that might be due to sample bias, group think, measurement errors, or other sources of uncertainty. Science and technology policy often involves assessments of potential developments, future breakthroughs, and applications that might develop from technology advances. The Potomac Institute will fairly assess such possibilities with an understanding of the degree of uncertainty, as determined from multiple opinions, consultation with experts, and sound scientific judgement.

The Institute will not accept financial support or other influences for purposes other than in service to the Institute mission. The outcome of studies, recommendations, and Institute publications will not be based on predetermined positions or desired outcomes by sponsors. The Institute will regularly solicit frank information from sources with guarantees that the source will not be attributed. This is done to obtain accurate information that is not biased by interests imposed on sources. Outcomes of studies and conclusions reached by the Institute will reflect truths and analysis decoupled from financial interests of individuals and individual businesses, personal interests, fads, and hype. Institute advice and recommendations will be determined by an Institute review processes, reflecting considered analysis, best available science, and judgements from multiple senior-level advisors.

Citation of sources will be used whenever feasible. When sources are derived from non-attributable interviews (e.g., when “off the record”), then the fact of such sources will be cited without individual identification. The Institute will never reveal sources when non-attribution was guaranteed.