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Innovation Task Force and President Dan Mote Brief Hill on Role of Basic Research in Innovation
A group of Members of Congress and university and business leaders today told a Capitol Hill audience that in order to promote the nation's economic competitiveness, Congress should double federal funding of basic scientific and engineering research and approve comprehensive authorizing legislation aimed at improving math and science education, welcoming foreign students, and encouraging industry to invest in research and development (R&D).
The recommendations were part of a briefing for Capitol Hill staff cosponsored by the Task Force on the Future of American Innovation, in which AAU participates, and the House R&D Task Force, co-chaired by Reps. Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Judy Biggert (R-IL).
Task Force Chair Doug Comer, Director of Legal Affairs and Technology Policy at Intel Corporation, told the more than 100 participants at the briefing that greater national investment in science and engineering research and education are vital to preserving the nation's comparative economic advantage, which faces growing challenges from other nations. Both he and Amy Burke, Director of Government Relations for Texas Instruments (TI), discussed examples of federally funded research that has led to major high-tech industries, such as TI's DLP chip, which is now in many high-definition televisions and commercial projectors.
University of Maryland President Dan Mote added that much work needs to be done to excite young people about careers in science and engineering. He stressed that the perception of opportunity in science and engineering for our children must be nurtured. He added that the federal government also should encourage states to create organizational entities to focus their efforts to improve math and science education and promote innovation.
Last November the Task Force, a coalition of businesses and business organizations, scientific and engineering societies, and higher education associations, released its second benchmarks report in November, 2006. It is entitled, “Measuring the Moment: Innovation, National Security, and Economic Competitiveness.” AAU staff helped to produce the report. Additional information about the Task Force and the benchmarks report is available at: http://futureofinnovation.org.
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