“Science in the National Interest:" The Report

“Fundamental science is often the wellspring of advanced technology in ways that are completely unpredictable.” -- “Science in the National Interest”

After several years of discussion within the federal government and among the scientific community, the framework of a national science policy was articulated this week in a Clinton Administration report entitled “Science in the National Interest” (see FYI #120). Intended as a science policy for the post-Cold War era, the document draws on the White House’s January “Forum on Science in the National Interest.”

Prior to the report’s release, the Clinton Administration had been vocal about technology’s contribution to the nation. With this report, the Administration reaffirms the importance of basic, fundamental science, stating, “This Administration is committed to making today’s investment in science a top priority for building the America of tomorrow.” The report cites numerous examples- many involving physics- of the often unforeseen benefits of basic science to the nation. While recognizing the need to link the federal investment in science to strategic national goals, the report strongly endorses the government’s role in funding basic and long-term applied research, as well as developing the nation’s scientific talent and maintaining the research infrastructure. In these respects, the report echoes the policies of World War II-era science policy maven Vannevar Bush. It departs from Bush’s view in its recognition that basic research, applied research, and development are now seen as “more like an ecosystem than a production line,” and that “progress in any one depends on advances in the others.”

In support of President Clinton’s proclaimed ambition to “sustain world leadership in science, mathematics, and engineering,” the document sets out five goals: maintain leadership across the frontiers of scientific knowledge; enhance connections between fundamental research and national goals; stimulate partnerships that promote fundamental research and effective use of resources; produce the finest 21st century scientists and engineers; and raise the scientific and technological literacy of all Americans. Several actions are proposed for each goal.

The report states, “It has seldom proved possible to anticipate which areas of science will bring forward surprising and important breakthroughs at any given time. Therefore, U.S. scientists must be among those working at the leading edge in all major fields in order for us to retain and improve our competitive position in the long term.” To maintain this leadership, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) would provide an ongoing evaluation of the nation’s research portfolio and the state of the infrastructure. The report suggests, as a long-term goal, increasing public and private funding of R&D from 2.6 percent to approximately 3.0 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

To enhance connections between fundamental research and the national goals of improved health, environment, prosperity, national security and quality of life, the Administration would require the NSTC to “foster, prioritize, and coordinate major cross-agency fundamental research and education initiatives” coupled to those goals. Science and technology agencies would be required to define their fundamental science missions and develop long-range plans to achieve those missions.

To stimulate industry-university-government partnerships, the federal government “can foster the conditions that stimulate private sector investments in fundamental research” and research facilities, including stable, predictable government policies and regulations. The report advocates eliminating the cap on tax-free bonds for such purposes, and making the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit permanent.

To produce quality scientists and engineers for the next century, the report recommends maintaining the excellence of the higher education system, and promoting diversity through mentoring, role models, and awards.

“Goals 2000: Educate America” is the Administration’s intended vehicle for raising the science literacy of the nation. It includes recommendations to foster partnerships among the education community, the private sector, and all levels of government, and encourages the scientific community to support professional development of teachers and public appreciation of science.

The report concludes, “We have outlined a broad program for advancing science in the national interest. We do so because science and technology depend on one another for continuous advancement and, in turn, are important for the health, prosperity and security of Americans.”

“Our scientific and technical communities represent an enormous reservoir of talent, dedication and drive. We challenge them to continue their vigorous exploration of the frontiers of scientific knowledge and simultaneously to ensure that all Americans share their vision of the excitement, the beauty, and the utility of science in achieving our national goals. If they, government, and the nation as a whole accept the challenges set forth here and meet them together, our children and grandchildren will have a secure foundation on which to build their futures.”

Following the report’s release, OSTP Director Jack Gibbons traveled to Capitol Hill to discuss the report. FYI #122 summarizes this hearing.