Science & Technology Action Committee

Yesterday, the #VAST Task Force unveiled its Vision to spur U.S. science and technology development and bolster our global leadership in an era of unprecedented international competition.    “If we stumble in this race, it will be difficult, if not impossible to recapture our lead – and the American people will suffer the consequences.”    Read more in Axios by Maria Curi and Alison Snyder https://lnkd.in/etqMtdqR

Our global leadership in science and technology is ours to lose. As the pace of innovation accelerates, we are at a critical juncture where the decisions we make today will determine our ability to lead tomorrow. 

Michael Kratsios talked about the “totality of the American innovation system…federal government, the private sector, and academia working together to develop new technologies…from discovery all the way to fielding them” during his confirmation hearing yesterday. This way of thinking aligns well with the All-of-America approach to the future described in the Vision for American Science & Technology yesterday.  I look forward to working with Michael as the confirmed Director of the Office of Science & Technology Policy. 

We are living in an era of unprecedented global competitiveness and rapid innovation, where breakthroughs in science, technology, and industry are occurring at an accelerated pace. Every day, nations around the world are investing heavily in their own science and technology sectors, working to develop new technologies, industries, and economic opportunities. To remain at the forefront of this fast-evolving landscape, we must act decisively and strategically.

America’s global leadership in science and technology has long been a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and global influence. However, this leadership is not guaranteed. In an increasingly competitive global landscape, other nations are rapidly advancing their own science and technology sectors, making it more important than ever for the U.S. to stay ahead. The #VAST Task Force’s recommendations provide a clear and actionable roadmap to strengthen and secure America’s position as a global leader. 

The need for cross-sector collaboration has never been more urgent. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the U.S. must remain at the forefront of science and technology to continue shaping a prosperous future. The Vision for American Science and Technology lays the foundation for not only maintaining our leadership but expanding it, ensuring that we remain a global leader in innovation for generations to come.

Fmr Sen. Tom Daschle: “What got us here in this leadership role over these many decades and even generations won’t get us to where we need to go.”    Sudip Parikh: “You have to go to defend the enterprise, the parts of it that need to be defended right now. You also have to have an aspiration and a vision for what should come next.”   Read more about how #VAST will meet the moment we’re in from Ben Brody for Punchbowl News: https://lnkd.in/e-rWHfBG

Optimizing America’s science and technology enterprise is not a goal that can be achieved solely through policy decisions made in Washington—it’s a nationwide effort. To truly drive progress and maintain our global leadership, we must focus on empowering talent from every corner of the nation, building pathways for a strong and adaptable workforce, and fostering collaboration at every level.

As we invest in fundamental discovery research today, we are planting the seeds for innovations that will address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. It is through this foundational research that we create the breakthroughs that will lead to the next wave of progress and economic growth.

By empowering our workforce, we can unleash untapped potential and elevate the U.S. as a global leader in science and technology. A skilled and well-equipped workforce is the backbone of innovation.