A National Imperative: Rebuilding U.S. Science and Technology Leadership

The United States stands at a critical crossroads in its pursuit of global leadership in science, technology, and innovation. As fierce competition with China intensifies, the stakes could not be higher. Maintaining preeminence requires a long-term, comprehensive national strategy that prioritizes science and technology investments, infrastructure, and education. While the CHIPS Act and ongoing tariff activity have drawn attention to the importance of securing domestic supply chains for semiconductors and related manufacturing technologies, it is equally imperative to ensure that a resilient, highly skilled workforce is trained and ready to sustain these efforts.

A robust national science and technology strategy must be built on a foundation of continuous education, from our grade schools to graduate schools. The U.S. cannot afford to fall behind in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education, which serves as the talent pipeline for the nation’s technological and industrial advancement. Our global competitors, particularly China, are aggressively investing in their STEM workforce, producing more engineers, scientists, and technologists than ever before. Without a parallel commitment to fostering our own talent, the U.S. risks losing its innovative edge and economic security.

Over the next five years, federal investments in science, technology, and research and development must at least double relative to GDP. Advanced manufacturing, technology infrastructure, and STEM education need sustained and significant funding to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This is not just a matter of economic competitiveness; it is a matter of national security. The technologies that drive artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and clean energy will define global leadership in the coming decades. The U.S. must lead, or it will be forced to follow. The latter being unacceptable.

One key initiative advocating for these critical investments is the nonpartisan Science and Technology Action Committee (STAC). Comprised of individuals from nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and the corporate sector, STAC is committed to dramatically increasing U.S. government investment in science and technology through a public-private partnership model. The organization’s "State of Science in America" report highlights key findings and policy recommendations that underscore the urgent need for a national science and technology strategy.

Federal action alone will not be enough. The private sector must also step up by partnering with educational institutions to create apprenticeship programs, investing in research and development, and working collaboratively with policymakers to shape an innovation-friendly regulatory environment. More than ever a national commitment to STEM education is needed at every level, starting in elementary schools, extending through high school and college, and continuing into lifelong learning programs. This will ensure a steady pipeline of talent capable of driving American innovation forward.

In particular, business organizations stand to gain significantly from a strengthened national STEM initiative. By helping to cultivate a highly skilled, innovation-ready workforce, companies will have access to the talent they need to remain competitive in global markets. Investing in STEM education today directly supports the development of tomorrow’s engineers, data scientists, and technology leaders—key roles that drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability. Companies that actively engage in shaping and supporting STEM pathways will not only contribute to national progress but also position themselves for sustained business success in an increasingly tech-driven economy.

If the U.S. is to maintain its global leadership in science and technology, it must act now. The next five years will be pivotal in determining whether America remains the world’s leading innovator or cedes its position to rising and fierce competitors. The time for decisive collaboration, investment in research and technology infrastructure, and workforce development is now. A national science and technology strategy is not just an option, it is an imperative for the nation’s future economic strength and security. Failure is not an option.