Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Top scientists on Tuesday announced a plan to spur science and tech development in the U.S. as concerns mount that the country is losing its edge, putting its economic competitiveness and security at risk.
Why it matters: In the 20th century, the U.S. led the world in fundamental discoveries and developing technologies, but that advantage is far from guaranteed now, as China rises as a global science and tech leader.
Driving the news: The recommendations in the Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST) report — which more than 70 scientists, CEOs, university leaders and former U.S. officials put together — were announced during an Axios event on Tuesday.
- The plan centers on developing and strengthening STEM talent, infrastructure and investments in the U.S.
Zoom in: The task force's recommendations include incentivizing private sector R&D through changes in tax credit and code and creating regional science and tech economic centers "co-funded by the private sector and all levels of government."
- They support passing a modern version of the 1958 National Defense Education Act that would focus on developing STEM talent, especially in K-12 education.
- The task force recommends setting aside green cards for scientists and engineers in specific fields and reforming and expanding the H1B visa program.
- They also call for prioritizing and strengthening investment in specific areas — AI, materials science, quantum computing, biotechnology and energy production and storage — and investing government resources in developing the infrastructure to support R&D.
Flashback: In 1945, engineer and science administrator Vannevar Bush laid out a framework advocating for federal government support for basic research and for industry to translate those discoveries into applications, arguing it would drive American prosperity.
- The VAST task force says today's world calls for an updated and more nimble version of Bush's framework.
Reality check: A key challenge is devising a vision that can withstand the political whiplash experienced in the U.S. from one administration to the next.
- Observers worry President Trump's efforts with Elon Musk to cut government spending and personnel could undermine science and tech goals.
- Congress, meanwhile, hasn't overhauled the immigration system to make it easier for high skilled workers to enter and stay in the U.S.
The bottom line: "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," the report states.
