Renewing U.S. science policy : private sector views hearing before the Subcommittee on Science of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, second session, September 24, 1992.

  • United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Subcommittee on Science.
Date:
1993
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Credit: Renewing U.S. science policy : private sector views hearing before the Subcommittee on Science of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, second session, September 24, 1992. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    vances in science and technology. Signs of stress and change are also evident in Government-funded laboratories, especially the De- partment of Energy’s weapons labs, as a result of the anticipated restructuring of defense- related R&D in the wake of international changes which have occurred. Worrisome signs are also evident in industry where, following a ‘decade of growth, industrial investment in research and develop- ment is declining. The United States now trails Germany and Japan in non-defense research and development spending, stated as a percentage of gross domestic product. Taken together, these changes suggest the need for a broad-based inquiry into the ade- quacy of today’s Federal science and technology policy and the di- rections that that policy should take for the years ahead. The Subcommittee on Science has accepted the responsibility of carrying out this broad-based examination. During the course of our inquiry, we will seek to develop comprehensive recommenda- tions for a re-direction of the Federal research and developmen mission. - : Today we begin the inquiry by obtaining the views of the private sector, a very significant performer and user of the results of feder- ally funded research. We will ask our witnesses is they’re getting what they need from the Federal investment in research. We'll also ask to what extent the Federal role in funding research should be more closely tied to the creation of wealth, through the develop- ment of commercially viable technology. We’re also interested in industry’s desire and ability to partici- pate in defining national research goals, and in helping us assess the progress that we make toward achieving those goals, once they are defined. Our goal is to ensure that the U.S. research enterprise addresses the central challenges confronting the Nation in the years ahead, improving our economic competitiveness, raising our standard of living, improving public health, and improving environ- mental quality, among other factors. — The Science Subcommittee is not alone in its examination of fed- erally funded research and development. Recommendations will be sought by our group from a number of other groups that are en- gaged in studying issues related to the future of U.S. science policy, such as the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technol- ogy, which is currently examining the health of research universi- ties, the Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology and Govern- ment, which will release next week a major report on the future of Federal science policy, and the recently established National Sci- ence Board Commission on the Future and Direction of the Nation- al Science Foundation. We also intend to seek advise from other sectors of society that have concerns for the health of the research system, and we will watch with interest similar investigations concerning the funding and management of R&D activities by other industrialized nations, oa as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, and apan. This morning we have two very distinguished panels of wit- nesses, and the subcommittee extends a warm welcome to each of you. We know that you’re busy, and we appreciate very much your - taking time to share your thoughts and suggestions with us on this