"…the nation is unlikely to receive some sudden 'wake-up' call … the problem is one that is likely to evidence itself gradually over a surprisingly short period." —The National Academies
At the request of Congress, the Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century was established by The National Academies, and in February 2006 published, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future."
This committee was tasked with identifying specific actions, strategies, and steps that federal policymakers could take to ensure the United States will maintain its edge in science and technology. Four areas of focus were identified: actions in K–12 education, science and engineering research, higher education, and economic policy.
In the area of K–12 education, the recommendations included annually recruiting 10,000 science and mathematics teachers by awarding four-year scholarships; strengthening the skills of 250,00 teachers through grants for summer institutes and master's education programs; and enlarging the pipeline of students who are prepared to enter college and graduate with a degree in science, engineering, or mathematics by increasing the number of students who pass advanced placement courses.
Science and engineering research was targeted for increases in the federal investment in long-term basic research by 10 percent each year over the next seven years through the reallocation of existing funds or through the investment of new funds. Also, the federal government should offer new research grants of $500,000 annually, payable over five years, to 200 of the nation's most outstanding early-career researchers. Another endorsement included instituting a Presidential Innovation Award to stimulate scientific and engineering advances in the national interest.
Higher education recommendations included increasing the number of U.S. citizens who earn bachelor's degrees in the physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and mathematics by providing 25,000 new four-year competitive undergraduate scholarships each year to U.S. citizens. Also, increase the number of U.S. citizens pursuing graduate study in "areas of national need" by funding 5,000 new graduate fellowships each year. On the corporate side, offer a federal tax credit to encourage employers to make continuing education available to practicing scientists and engineers. It was also recommended that a one-year automatic visa extension be given to international students who receive doctorates in fields of national need at qualified U.S. institutions. If these students are offered jobs by U.S.-based employers and pass a security test, the government should provide automatic work permits and expedite residence status.
Economic policy reform recommendations included enhancing intellectual-property protection while allowing research to enhance innovation. Also, the government should enact a stronger research and development tax credit to encourage private investment in innovation.
For the complete report and updates, visit http://www.nationalacademies.org/gatheringstorm.