CRS Issue Statement on R&D to Meet National Needs and Priorities
Abstract
The science and engineering community, advocacy groups, and the Federal Government assert that domestic investment in research and development (R&D) is a critical component to U.S. national and international policy. Investment in R&D is key to maintaining U.S. scientific and technical ability, developing the U.S. scientific and engineering workforce, enhancing domestic economic growth, continuing U.S. global industrial competitiveness, and advancing national priorities. Congress will likely be forced to make difficult choices regarding the federal R&D investment. Often, R&D is a federal/private partnership, with roles and responsibilities for funding and performing R&D shared among many stakeholders. The Federal Government leverages its investment by encouraging the private sector to commercialize federally funded R&D discoveries by supporting technology transfer, maintaining intellectual property rights, and spurring industrial innovation. Some experts have expressed concerns regarding the widening gap that often exists between a laboratory discovery and the private sector's willingness to transform the discovery into a final commercial product. This phenomenon results in a failure to exploit the economic potential of R&D results. Advocates have called for greater efforts to stimulate private sector investment in R&D; increased federal funding for the translation of research ideas into products, as well as for the construction of R&D infrastructure and facilities; greater support for students pursuing degrees in science and engineering; and alignment of authorized and appropriated federal R&D funding levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA513431
Entities
People
- Dana A. Shea
Organizations
- Library of Congress