Perspectives on U.S. Competitiveness in Science and Technology: Conference Proceedings

摘要

Concern has grown that the United States is losing its competitive edge in science and technology (S&T). The factors driving this concern include globalization, the rise of science centers in developing countries such as China and India, the increasing number of foreign-born Ph.D. students in the United States, and claims of a shortage of S&T workers in the United States. A loss of prowess in S&T could hurt U.S. economic competitiveness, standard of living, and national security. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness asked the RAND Corporation to convene a meeting in November 2006 to discuss these issues. This volume contains the short papers presented at the meeting and discussed by the analysts, policymakers, military officers, professors, and business leaders who attended. The papers cover a broad range of topics, including science policy, the quantitative assessment of S&T capability, globalization, and the rise of Asia. Taken as a set, the papers provide at least a partial survey of the facts, challenges, and questions posed by the possible erosion of U.S. S&T capabilities. They are, in our view, germane, well grounded, thought provoking, and worthy of serious attention. In addition to this volume, a future report will draw on these papers and other research with the intent of creating an overview and presenting further discussion of the findings and policy implications. Because the follow-on report will involve the selection and interpretation of material by RAND researchers and will not necessarily represent the views of those attending the meeting, it will be issued separately, though it will also draw on the input of the attendees. The debate around the question of whether the United States is losing its competitive edge is a lively one. We hope the reader will enjoy the perspectives offered in these proceedings and that they contribute to an improved understanding of the recent trends in U.S. science and technology.