Government and Innovation Partnership or Oxymoron? Vernon J. Ehlers, Ph.D. U.S. House of Representatives

How Can Government Foster Innovation? Funding Basic Research Assisting in Applied Research Quality STEM Education Taxation Policy Rewarding Innovation

Three Theses 1.Our science policy is outdated 2.The American public does not fully understand science or its practice 3.Scientists are politically clueless

Our Vision The United States must maintain and improve its pre-eminent position in science and technology in order to advance human understanding of the universe and all it contains, and to improve the lives, health, and freedoms of all peoples.

Science Policy Report Recommendations 1. Federal Government Role: Basic research. 2. Private Sector Role: Some basic research, but focus on applied research and building a bridge between. 3. Increase the integration of science with decision-making through both the regulatory and the judicial systems. 4. Improve our system of education from pre-school to grad school.

The Valley Of Death

National Security Our systems of basic scientific research and education are in serious crisis, while other countries are redoubling their efforts. This has occurred at a time when vastly more Americans will have to understand and work competently with science and math on a daily basis. In this Commission’s view, the inadequacies of our systems of research and education pose a greater threat to U.S. national security over the next quarter century than any potential conventional war that we might imagine. -- Hart-Rudman Commission Report, 2001

Where Is Sputnik When We Need It?

Why STEM Education? Produce needed scientists and engineers. Prepare children for a technical workplace. Educate consumers and voters. Enable thinkers and learners.

Some Problems TIMSS Results Graduate School Enrollments 365,000 Open Positions for Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians H-1B Visas: not a Long-Term Solution Lack of Women & Minorities in these Professions Gulf between Schools of Education and Science/Math/Engineering Departments

Principles of Science Education Teach by doing science, don’t just teach about science. Science involves a unique mode of inquiry, and is not just a collection of observations, facts, and theories.

Needed Improvements Better recruitment and retention of good science teachers. (Better pay?) Better preparation of science teachers. Professional development. Higher priority for math and science education. Integration of science and math with humanities. Better research on effective science and math teaching.

Better Curricula Hands-on, experience-oriented, inquiry- centered curricula grounded in content. Convey excitement and interest of science. Recognize science as a unique mode of inquiry. Include good support mechanisms.

Science Education Bills H. R. 100: National Science Education Act H. R. 101: National Science Education Enhancement Act H. R. 102: National Science Education Incentive Act

Innovation and Taxation R & D Tax Credit Incentives for Educators Incentives for Innovators

Rewarding Innovation Rewards for Innovation and Innovators, e.g., Baldrige Award