The US risks falling behind China on technology
At their G-20 Summit meeting in Osaka, Presidents Trump and Xi declared a truce in the U.S.-China trade conflict to give negotiators time to reach a deal. However, contrary to frequently heard narratives, America’s continued global leadership in technology and innovation does not depend primarily on that outcome; it depends far more on significantly strengthening our own domestic efforts to boost our still formidable capacities in these areas.
Markets, politicians and the media doubtless will remain preoccupied with the U.S.-China negotiations. While these talks are highly important to resolve or manage longstanding differences, they also can be a diversion for Americans.
As a starting point, it is important to recognize — and then reinforce — the fundamental principles and programs that have underpinned America’s technology, scientific and competitive preeminence.
We geared our educational system to turn out more graduates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), dramatically increased funding for basic and applied research, built a modern national infrastructure and enthusiastically welcomed foreign-born scientists and engineers.