In a world where advanced knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily available, U.S. advantages in the marketplace and in science and technology have begun to erode. A comprehensive and coordinated federal effort is urgently needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness and pre-eminence in these areas. This congressionally requested report by a pre-eminent committee makes four recommendations along with 20 implementation actions that federal policy-makers should take to create high-quality jobs and focus new science and technology efforts on meeting the nation's needs, especially in the area of clean, affordable energy:



1) Increase America's talent pool by vastly improving K-12 mathematics and science education;


2) Sustain and strengthen the nation's commitment to long-term basic research;


3) Develop, recruit, and retain top students, scientists, and engineers from both the U.S. and abroad; and


4) Ensure that the United States is the premier place in the world for innovation.




Some actions will involve changing existing laws, while others will require financial support that would come from reallocating existing budgets or increasing them. Rising Above the Gathering Storm will be of great interest to federal and state government agencies, educators and schools, public decision makers, research sponsors, regulatory analysts, and scholars.Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 A Disturbing Mosaic
2 Why Are Science and Technology Critical to America's Prosperity in the 21st Century?
3 How Is America Doing Now in Science and Technology?
4 Method
5 What Actions Should America Take in K–12 Science and Mathematics Education to Remain Prosperous in the 21st Century?
6 What Actions Should America Take in Science and Engineering Research to Remain Prosperous in the 21st Century?
7 What Actions Should America Take in Science and Engineering Higher Education to Remain Prosperous in the 21st Century?
8 What Actions Should America Take in Economic and Technology Policy to Remain Prosperous in the 21st Century?
9 What Might Life in the United States Be Like if It Is Not Competitive in Science and Technology?
Appendix A Committee and Professional Staff Biographic Information
Appendix B Statement of Task and Congressional Correspondence
Appendix C Focus-Group Sessions
Appendix D Issue Briefs
K–12 Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education
Attracting the Most Able US Students to Science and Engineering
Undergraduate, Graduate, and Postgraduate Education in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
Implications of Changes in the Financing of Public Higher Education
International Students and Researchers in the United States
Achieving Balance and Adequacy in Federal Science and Technology Funding
The Productivity of Scientific and Technological Research
Investing in High-Risk and Breakthrough Research
Ensuring That the United States Is at the Forefront in Critical Fields of Science and Technology
Understanding Trends in Science and Technology Critical to US Prosperity
Ensuring That the United States Has the Best Environment for Innovation
Scientific Communication and Security
Science and Technology Issues in National and Homeland Security
Appendix E Estimated Recommendation Cost Tables
Appendix F K–12 Education Recommendations Supplementary Information
Appendix G Bibliography
Index