FYI #170: House Democrats Release "The Innovation Agenda"

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: fyi () aip org
Date: December 2, 2005 12:22:39 PM EST
To: farber () CENTRAL CIS UPENN EDU
Subject: FYI #170: House Democrats Release "The Innovation Agenda"
Reply-To: fyi () aip org

FYI
The American Institute of Physics Bulletin of Science Policy News
Number 170: December 2, 2005

House Democrats Release "The Innovation Agenda"

The political profile of efforts to strengthen U.S. research and
development was raised  last month with the release of a
multi-pronged strategy by the highest ranking Democrat in the House,
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).  "The Innovation Agenda: A
Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1," includes many of
the recommendations made by previous advisory panels.  What was
noteworthy about the November 15 event at the National Press Club
was the presence of Pelosi and her statement that "this will be our
priority."

Concerns about the strength of American research and development are
long-standing.   Many of the problems and solutions in the
Innovation Agenda were raised in reports ranging from one released
by Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) in 1998 (see
http://www.aip.org/fyi/1998/fyi98.138.htm) to the recent National
Academies report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" (see
http://www.aip.org/fyi/2005/155.html.)

In describing the Agenda,  Pelosi stated, "Today, the world has
changed dramatically - in ways that pose unprecedented challenges to
our economic well-being.  The underdeveloped countries of yesterday
can become the formidable competitors of tomorrow . . .or even
today.  Those countries are following what has been the United
States' blueprint for decades, and which resulted in our
pre-eminence.  As others have copied our blueprint, we have departed
from it.  They are investing heavily in improving their educational
systems, and creating world-class universities, particularly in
science and technology."  As evidence, Pelosi cited the number of
U.S. students now graduating with degrees in engineering compared to
much higher numbers in India and China, stagnating or falling
decline in federal support for basic research since 1987, and the
low U.S. ranking in broadband penetration.

The Agenda was developed with advice from leaders and CEOs in
academia, venture capital, and entrepreneurs in the high tech,
biotech, and telecommunication sectors in forums in California,
Washington state, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North
Carolina.  It has five major components: increasing the STEM
workforce, investing in sustained R&D, guaranteeing access to
affordable broadband technology, energy independence, and various
initiatives to strengthen small businesses.  In regard to R&D
spending, the Agenda states that funding would be doubled for the
"National Science Foundation, basic research in the physical
sciences across all agencies, and collaborative research
partnerships." Pelosi could not provide a cost estimate for  the
Agenda or state how it would be paid for, saying "we can't afford
not to do this."  She  spoke several times of her willingness to
work with House Republicans.

In anticipation of the Pelosi announcement, House Education and the
Workforce Committee Chairman John Boehner (R-OH) released a
statement (see http://edworkforce.house.gov/press/press109
/first/11nov/pelosi111505.htm) (may be necessary to cut and paste
URL) critical of Pelosi's and her party's colleagues votes on
Republican legislation "enhancing small business competitiveness,
streamlining federal bureaucracy, and helping create new jobs for
American workers."

The eight-page Agenda can be reviewed at
http://www.housedemocrats.gov/news/
librarydetail.cfm?library_content_id=557 (may be necessary to cut and
paste URL).

###############
Richard M. Jones
Media and Government Relations Division
The American Institute of Physics
fyi () aip org    http://www.aip.org/gov
(301) 209-3094
##END##########

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