On February 5th, 2025, Dr. Walter G. Copan testified before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the State of U.S. Science and Technology: Ensuring U.S. Global Leadership.
Copan, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at the Colorado School of Mines, former Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and CSIS Senior Adviser, emphasized the crucial role of investment in public-sector R&D, as well as STEM education and workforce training.
“Two decades ago, the United States was the undisputed global leader in science and technology, and in driving innovation for economic value creation. Today, however, by many internationally recognized measures, America’s global leadership position in the majority of the critical technology fields has been overtaken by China.”
“We are in a period where crisis presents America with great opportunity. The U.S. must take a new strategic approach to the future of research and S&T advancement that engages across government agencies. We must leverage collaboration and investments with the private sector, bolster education at all levels, and engage with our national R&D, intellectual property, standards and innovation enterprise. We have the chance to drive great synergies in federal R&D investment, through a national S&T and innovation strategy.”
Watch the full hearing here, and read Dr. Copan’s opening remarks here.
