2023 Report & Recommendations

Key Report Findings

America has been the world’s innovation powerhouse because we made science and technology a top national priority. But federal funding in this area has dropped as a percentage of GDP over the past several decades. And while the U.S. remains highly innovative and competitive, we lack a long-term plan going forward. The eight findings below form the basis of our argument for a national science and technology strategy that increases funding and coordinates the federal government’s response to society’s most significant challenges.

1. The United States is perceived to be losing the race for global leadership in science and technology.

More than 75% of respondents believe the United States is losing or has already lost this critical competition. Those who work in health care or in the military or national security are more likely to say the U.S. has already been overtaken by other countries, while those in STEM fields were more likely to say we’re losing ground. In addition, 60% of respondents say China — not the United States — will be the leader within five years.

2. Respondents believe the top obstacle to future scientific advancement in the United States is the quality of K-12 STEM education.

Respondents in every sector surveyed — including those in K-12 education — said the lack of adequate K-12 STEM education is the No. 1 obstacle to advancing science and technology in the United States. Rounding out the rest of the top five obstacles were foreign nations’ undermining of U.S. research; the abundance of red tape in the U.S. scientific research process; the lack of a national science and technology strategy; and inadequate funding for research and development.

3. The federal government is viewed as the driver of science and technology advancements in the United States.

A plurality of respondents (41%) said the federal government holds the primary responsibility for ensuring the strength of science and technology in the country. Another 23% chose private companies, while 22% chose academic institutions and just 4% chose nonprofit organizations.

4. A majority of respondents across political ideologies and sectors agree that federal funding of science and technology is vital.

In a moment of clear agreement, nearly 70% of respondents, including a majority in all sectors and across all political identifications — 86% of Democrats, 63% of independents, and 55% of Republicans — said federal government investment in science and technology is so important that it should be protected from budget cuts.

5. There is a strong desire for additional scientific leadership in public policy across all political identifications and sectors.

In another area of clear agreement, more than 80% of respondents — including 89% of Democrats, 81% of independents, and 76% of Republicans — would like to see more input from science leaders in policymaking. In fact, more than 75% in each sector — not just those working in science — desire greater leadership.

6. Most respondents find increasing distrust and politicization of science troubling.

Nearly 80% of respondents — including 91% of Democrats, 79% of independents, and 69% of Republicans — are concerned about growing public distrust in science. More than 75% of respondents — including 89% of Democrats, 79% of independents and 65% of Republicans — raised concerns about politicians discrediting scientists.

7. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is raising significant concern.

Overall, 39% of respondents believe AI will have a negative impact on society, while 25% believe the impact will be positive. Another 25% believe the impact will be neutral, while 12% said they’re not sure. Those who work in STEM hold a more optimistic view with 32% saying AI’s impact will be positive, while those in K-12 education are more pessimistic, with 44% saying AI’s impact will be negative.

8. Those working in national security are especially worried about international intellectual property theft.

Those in the military or national security fields were more likely to say that foreign powers undermining or stealing our research and technology is one of the biggest obstacles to scientific and technological advancement, placing it as the No. 2 barrier behind K-12 STEM education. This group also chose stronger enforcement of U.S. intellectual property rights as the policy that would have the largest impact on America’s ability to lead in science and technology.