CED-回到基础研究：增强美国竞争力的研发投资计划（英）-2021.11-14页_709kb

Summary of "SUSTAINING CAPITALISM: Back to Basic Research"

Core Content

This document outlines a nonpartisan approach to addressing the challenges facing the United States in maintaining its leadership in science and technology. It emphasizes the need for increased investment in basic research, the role of public-private partnerships, and the importance of STEM education and immigration reform in sustaining American innovation and competitiveness.

Main Challenges

• Erosion of US R&D leadership: The US has seen a decline in its global share of R&D expenditure despite increasing absolute spending.
• Shift in R&D funding sources: Federal government funding for basic research has declined, while business investment has grown.
• STEM workforce decline: US students are falling behind in STEM subjects, and the country is losing ground in attracting and retaining skilled STEM talent.
• Global competition: Countries like China are rapidly expanding their R&D capabilities and STEM workforce, threatening US technological and economic dominance.

Key Trends in US R&D Spending

• Total US R&D spending has grown over time, but its global share has decreased.
• Federal R&D spending as a percentage of GDP has declined from 1.9% in 1964 to 0.6% in 2016, with only a slight increase since.
• Business R&D spending has been the primary source since 1980, reaching 2.2% of GDP in 2019 and accounting for 71% of total US R&D expenditure.
• Basic research has grown from about a quarter of all US research in the 1950s to almost half by the 2000s, but federal funding for it has steadily declined, reaching 41% in 2019.
• Business investment in basic research has increased since 2015, with an annual growth rate of 7.8%, compared to 4.3% between 1995 and 2015.

Key Recommendations

1. Increase Public Investment in Basic Research

• Reestablish federal leadership in funding foundational science to support long-term innovation.
• Target critical areas such as semiconductors, advanced materials, AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
• Evaluate cost-effectiveness of research proposals to ensure efficient use of public funds.
• Address underfunding by reversing the declining trend and increasing investment to meet historical standards and global benchmarks.

2. Leverage Public-Private Partnerships

• Collaborate with private industry, universities, and nonprofits to identify and prioritize high-impact research.
• Expand R&D geography to include underserved regions and promote regional innovation through strategic investments.
• Support HBCUs and minority-serving institutions to increase diversity in the STEM workforce and innovation capacity.
• Promote innovation ecosystems in cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Detroit, which have potential for growth in fields like AI.

3. Develop a Skilled STEM Workforce

• Enhance STEM education from K-12 to increase student interest and preparation.
• Create inclusive pathways into STEM careers through internships, apprenticeships, and industry-education collaboration.
• Upskill and reskill the current workforce to keep pace with technological advancements like AI.
• Improve immigration policies to facilitate the transition of foreign doctoral students to permanent residency and support the inflow of skilled immigrants.

Immigration and Workforce Considerations

• Immigrants are a critical component of US innovation, contributing disproportionately to patents and inventors.
• H1-B visa restrictions are pushing companies to offshore R&D to countries with larger STEM talent pools.
• Reform the H1-B visa process to improve access to permanent residency and support foreign talent in STEM fields.
• STEM education gaps are exacerbating the issue, with US students ranking 18th in science and 37th in math globally.

Conclusion

The US is at risk of losing its technological and economic edge due to declining R&D investment, a shrinking STEM talent pool, and an underperforming education system. To maintain competitiveness, the nation must reinvest in basic research, promote inclusive innovation ecosystems, and strengthen STEM education and immigration policies. These steps are essential for securing long-term economic stability, national security, and global leadership in science and technology.