Experiences and implications of the operation and management of nuclear laboratories in the United States

Nuclear science and technology is a strategic field that underpins national security, drives energy transition, and enables cutting-edge technological breakthroughs. Accelerating the development of world-class nuclear research institutions with clear positioning, flexible governance mechanisms, and efficient collaboration structures is crucial for strengthening national security, advancing energy technology transformation, and securing strategic technological leadership. Currently, China’s major nuclear research platforms face several practical challenges, including rigid institutional mechanisms, underutilized innovation system efficiency, and insufficient collaborative innovation. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for China in establishing a modern nuclear research system tailored to national conditions and in achieving high-level self-reliance in nuclear science and technology.

This paper employs a comprehensive methodological approach integrating literature review, comparative analysis, case studies, and inductive reasoning. It systematically traces the developmental trajectory of the nuclear-related national laboratory system in the United States. By examining three core dimensions—governance architecture, contract management, and operational mechanisms—the study distills key practices in operational management. Drawing on the actual conditions of China’s nuclear innovation platforms, targeted insights and recommendations are proposed across four dimensions: constructing a modern governance framework, optimizing resource allocation models, cultivating talent development ecosystems, and upgrading mechanisms for transforming scientific and technological achievements.

The findings indicate that the development of nuclear laboratories in the United States has consistently aligned with national strategic needs, evolving from emergency-driven establishment to institutionalized development, and from single-function entities to comprehensive innovation enablers. This evolution can be divided into three phases: embryonic inception (World War Ⅱ era, 1943–1946), institutionalization (Atomic Energy Commission era, 1947–1974), and integration and expansion (Department of Energy era, 1977–present). At present, the United States has formed an operational management system tailored to the nuclear sector’s highly sensitive, heavily regulated, long-cycle, and security-critical characteristics. This system includes a government-owned, contractor-operated governance model and a full-cycle contract management framework adapted for nuclear regulation; a “dual-track” resource allocation model supporting nuclear capability development; and an open collaborative innovation mechanism that balances nuclear safety with operational efficiency. These systematic practices provide a valuable reference for similar institutions worldwide. China’s nuclear laboratory development has entered a critical stage, requiring accelerated progress in institutionalization and the establishment of legal entities to build a modern governance structure with clearly defined responsibilities and accountability. Innovative investment and funding management models are needed to establish a mission-driven resource allocation system. Talent recruitment, cultivation, and incentive mechanisms should be further optimized to foster a globally competitive nuclear research ecosystem. In addition, an open and collaborative innovation environment should be developed, supported by a refined innovation system that effectively integrates research outputs with practical applications.

The success of nuclear laboratories in the United States lies in sustained institutional innovation, which has produced a hybrid organizational model that effectively fulfills national missions, safeguards academic freedom and scientific exploration, and ensures efficient operational capabilities. This model addresses three fundamental tensions: balancing national oversight with professional autonomy, reconciling long-term strategic objectives with short-term performance demands, and harmonizing security and confidentiality requirements with innovation and openness. In response to emerging challenges and strategic demands, China must develop a dynamic and modern nuclear science and technology innovation system that promotes frontier breakthroughs. Such a system should be firmly grounded in China’s national conditions and the unique characteristics of the nuclear sector, while selectively and critically drawing on relevant United States experiences and practices.