U.S. Competitiveness and Innovation
The House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on 12 March regarding “Competitiveness and Innovation on the Committee's 50th Anniversary” with Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft, testifying. The hearing covered some of the major issues that contribute to or hinder U.S. leadership in the fields of technology and innovation and what measures may help the U.S. retain its leadership.
One of the most important issues discussed was Federal funding for basic research and development. Members of the Committee and Mr. Gates agreed that Federal funding for basic research should be increased and that the America Competes Act should be fully funded. Gates noted that research is needed for innovation, which in turn creates jobs and drives economic progress. He said that overall funding of research and development, when adjusted for inflation, has decreased since 2005 and recommended a funding increase of 10 percent annually for the next seven years. Gates stated that “America is at a crossroads” where it needs continuing innovation to succeed, or other nations that are funding research and committed to innovation will take over as technological leaders.
The quality and quantity of science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) teachers and classes at the K-12 level is a concern of many Members. One fundamental question the hearing addressed is how to increase student interest in STEM fields. Mr. Gates and Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) agreed that the direct use of advanced technology makes STEM education relevant for students today. Gates added that teachers can make a huge difference in engaging students in the subject matter.
Mr. Gates expressed his concern with the difficulty that highly-skilled job applicants have in obtaining H-1B visas, which allow citizens of other countries to work in the U.S. if they have a specialized occupation. He noted that many foreign-born students who attend university in the U.S. are often not given the necessary visa to stay here and contribute to the U.S. economy after graduation. Gates argued that if these high level engineers and scientists do not work in the U.S., they will get jobs in other countries and America will lose a large portion of its important economic and technological prowess.
Members agreed with Gates' assertion that international competition will continue to increase. They also agreed that if the U.S. wants to remain at the forefront of innovation and technology, more funding and policy changes must be implemented. In addition to funding, issues hindering U.S. innovation such as STEM teacher quality, engaging students in the sciences, and H-1B visas must be addressed. Gates hopes for new policies that will serve these issues and have a positive impact on the number of scientists and engineers working in the U.S. as well as on the nation's competitiveness and economy.
