Basic Research and Innovation Essential Elements for Economic Recovery

With the 2008 elections decided, the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress now can focus on the tough road ahead for America.  Among the top priorities are fixing the economy; making health care more affordable and available to more people; and developing the technologies and infrastructures that will lead to energy security. Addressing these issues will require leadership, ingenuity, and investment in a variety of different programs that will have immediate and longer-term impact. Federal funding for basic research is one such investment.  Strong and sustained investment in research will lead to the discoveries and innovations that will help America successfully address these challenges for the long term.

The Science Coalition (TSC) and its members stand ready to work with the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress to ensure that research and the innovation that follows from it are part of the solution.  Specifically, TSC strongly believes that: basic research and innovation should be integral components of any economic recovery effort; the vision for research articulated by Senator Obama during the campaign should be implemented quickly; and a Science Advisor should be appointed early in the new administration.

Make basic research and innovation integral components of any economic recovery effort.  According to Nobel Laureate Robert Solow, more than half of U.S. economic growth since World War II can be traced to science-driven technological innovation.  It’s only by investing in basic research today that the U.S. will produce the breakthroughs in alternative energies, technologies and medicines that will ensure the nation’s long-term security, prosperity and well-being.  In the short term, investing in basic research and innovation employs American scientists, helps keep some of the best research laboratories in the world operating, and educates the next generation science and technology workforce.

Implement the campaign vision for substantial investments in basic research.  On the campaign trail both candidates responded to questions about how they would prioritize science and innovation.  Senator Obama placed great emphasis on the value of research in driving discovery and economic competitiveness: “Ensuring that the U.S. continues to lead the world in science and technology will be a central priority for my administration.”  Obama pledged to double basic research budgets in physical and life sciences, mathematics and engineering over the next decade.  He also recognized that supporting early career researchers is essential to ensuring that talented scientists don’t leave science for other fields due to lack of funding.  Further, he vowed to increase support for high-risk, high payoff research which can lead to transformational breakthroughs. 

Appoint a Science Advisor early in the new administration.  Since the solutions to many of the nation’s greatest challenges, including energy security, global climate change and healthcare reform, will require groundbreaking scientific and technological advances, it is critical that the next President seek out and rely on sound scientific and technical advice early and often in his new administration. The Science Coalition joined with 178 other organizations in October to call on both presidential candidates to appoint a Science Advisor by January 20, 2009.  The groups further urged that this position be elevated to “Assistant to the President for Science and Technology” and be assigned cabinet rank.

It is essential now, as President-elect, that Obama work with Congress to ensure that science play the role that he envisioned.  Funding for science must be a solution to the nation’s problems and a catalyst for progress.