科学美国人60秒:Political and Industry Leaders Make a Case for Basic Research

“The message has to be told to Congressmen, the message of the importance of investing in basic research.” Jeannette Wing, corporate vice president at Microsoft Research, October 20th at a symposium on Capitol Hill.

“The investments by the federal government go towards the innovation ecosystem, and these kinds of investments are good for the economy, good for global competitiveness.”

Wing, along with other industry leaders and members of Congress from both parties gathered at the “Innovation: An American Imperative” symposium in support of goals and policies delineated in a recent report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. That report titled Restoring the Foundation: The Vital Role of Research in Preserving the American Dream.

“We have to continue to further innovation in our economy through smart investments in basic R&D.” United States Senator from Delaware Chris Coons, at the event. “Because whether it’s public universities, cutting-edge businesses that are well established or early-stage startups, if we want to see American researchers and innovators pulling together to achieve our national potential now and in the future, we have to commit to these crucial investments today and by sustaining them for the long-term.”

Norm Augustine, former chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, led the effort to create the Restoring the Foundation report. To hear a recent extended interview I did with Augustine, browse the Science Talk podcast section of the Scientific American web page. Or just google Augustine and Scientific American to find the episode titled “Restore Research to Preserve the American Dream.”

—Steve Mirsky