Business Roundtable Urges Continued R&D Investment to Maintain U.S. Innovation Leadership

Washington - Business Roundtable today released a new report urging policymakers to advance key priorities that strengthen the American research and development (R&D) ecosystem to support innovation and continued global leadership.

Maintaining America’s standing as the preeminent technology incubator is critical for U.S. economic and national security. However, the U.S. R&D ecosystem is in danger of losing its competitive edge. “Powering America: Sustaining U.S. Leadership in Technology & Innovation” offers a blueprint for foundational, high-priority actions that will strengthen U.S. innovation leadership.

“To remain the global leader in innovation, the United States must continue to foster an environment where bold ideas can flourish,” said Adena Friedman, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq and Chair of the Business Roundtable Technology Committee. “We appreciate the Trump Administration’s recognition that innovative technologies, including AI, are critical to maintaining U.S. leadership, and we applaud steps that strengthen U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies. Business Roundtable urges Congress and the Administration to build on our existing strengths and champion pro-growth policies that underpin an economic ecosystem that supports and rewards innovation.”

Specifically, Business Roundtable urges policymakers to advance several key priorities, including:

• Strengthening federal R&D capabilities;
• Facilitating increased private sector R&D;
• Making strategic investments to secure supply chains critical for innovation;
• Upgrading and expanding necessary innovation-related infrastructure;
• Developing clear and consistent frameworks for technology development and use;
• Establishing and advocating for risk-based technology standards that are aligned with U.S. interests; and
• Building a workforce to strengthen economic and innovation leadership.

Read the full report here.