Race for the Future: Can America Hold Its Edge in Science and Technology?

US leadership in science and technology over the last century has been a driving force behind unprecedented economic growth, rising living standards, and strengthened national security. However, this lead is increasingly challenged by global competition, declining public investments in basic and applied research, and the rapid pace of advancements in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.  

Business leaders, educators, and policymakers all play critical roles in addressing these challenges by sustaining investments in US research capacity, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and cultivating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

By attending, you will learn:

  • Trends in Federal investments in scientific and technological research
  • How government, universities, and businesses can partner to support research and innovation
  • The geopolitical context for challenges to the US lead in science and technology
  • Strategies for strengthening the US research and development ecosystem
  • What policymakers can do to safeguard and expand the US advantage in science and technology
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Betsy Cantwell Marcia McNutt Paul Minton John Gardner David K. Young
Race for the Future: Can America Hold Its Edge in Science and Technology?
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CED POLICY WATCH

Race for the Future: Can America Hold Its Edge in Science and Technology?

OCTOBER 16, 2025

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US leadership in science and technology over the last century has been a driving force behind unprecedented economic growth, rising living standards, and strengthened national security. However, this lead is increasingly challenged by global competition, declining public investments in basic and applied research, and the rapid pace of advancements in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.  

Business leaders, educators, and policymakers all play critical roles in addressing these challenges by sustaining investments in US research capacity, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and cultivating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

By attending, you will learn:

  • Trends in Federal investments in scientific and technological research
  • How government, universities, and businesses can partner to support research and innovation
  • The geopolitical context for challenges to the US lead in science and technology
  • Strategies for strengthening the US research and development ecosystem
  • What policymakers can do to safeguard and expand the US advantage in science and technology

Speakers

Betsy Cantwell

Betsy Cantwell

President
Washington State University

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Marcia McNutt

Marcia McNutt

President
National Academy of Sciences

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Paul Minton

Paul Minton

Executive Chairman
California Eastern Laboratorie…

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John Gardner

John Gardner

Vice President, Public Policy
Committee for Economic Develop…

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David K. Young

David K. Young (Moderator)

President
Committee for Economic Develop…

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CED Policy Watch

Policy Watch explores relevant topics where business meets US domestic policy. Join experts at the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board and prominent policy makers as they dissect the impact of timely decisions from the nation's capital.

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