US Edge in Science & Technology Dwindling

[Frodo]

U.S. lead in science research and development narrows

By Daniel Rothberg
5:45 p.m. CST, February 6, 2014

WASHINGTON – The United States could be losing its edge in science and technology as emerging nations rapidly increase their investment in research and development, according to new indicators released Thursday by the National Science Board.

Although the United States outspends all other nations at least 2 to 1, its share of global spending on R&D has fallen in the last decade. With China at the lead, Asia’s major economies together now account for a larger share of scientific investment, the indicators show. Other nations with significant R&D growth include South Korea, Brazil and India.

This trend can be partially attributed to nations investing heavily in universities to educate their labor forces and drive research, NSB Vice Chairman Kelvin Droegemeier said during a conference call.

“Now we see other nations moving rapidly and very strategically to bolster their own competitiveness,” he said. “American universities, without question, remain the destination of choice for scientists around the world but even our universities now face great competition from abroad.”

[Blue3]

It doesn't seem to be us doing worse, just others improving. Isn't that what we want?

[DINGO Joe]

Thus far, modern Chinese society and culture haven't proven to be innovators, whether that's due to lack of investment or an end result of governance is, I guess, an open question.

[DC Al Fine]

It doesn't seem to be us doing worse, just others improving. Isn't that what we want?

Indeed, the main issue is that America's share of spending is declining, which is what you expect as countries like South Korea and China modernize.

[Person Man]

Hopefully, a country will soon be able to compete with us so we get the wake up call we need to do whatever it takes, including raising taxes on the 1%, to fund more science and engineering projects and provide more R&D tax credits.

On the other hand, this is what you want if you are a scientist or an engineer. Especially if you are in the computational and information sciences. You want a flat world where there are many players. This is the way we all can perform life enriching and saving research faster.