Council President: National Competitiveness Investment Act Step Forward For Innovation-Based U.S. Future

WASHINGTON—Council on Competitiveness President Deborah L. Wince-Smith made this statement following a bi-partisan Senate compromise to introduce the National Competitiveness Investment Act, which is based on recommendations made in the Council’s Innovate America report.

“America remains the world’s economic superpower, but that position is not guaranteed. The nation needs an innovation-based game plan to maintain our lead and to ensure a productive and prosperous future. Today’s bipartisan agreement between Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to introduce the National Competitiveness Investment Act represents a major step forward.

While many Senators from both parties deserve credit for their leadership in forging this important legislation, Senator John Ensign (R-NV) and Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) sought a bipartisan solution to the economic challenges facing America from the moment the Council released its report. The consensus reached today would not have been possible without their stalwart commitment to developing a legislative agenda for American competitiveness.

Our unique membership of top business CEOs, university presidents, and labor leaders have said clearly that the nation needs an innovation-driven competitiveness policy. One that increases research investment, strengthens educational opportunities in science and engineering, and cultivates a robust innovation infrastructure.

We believe innovation is an inherent element in the American DNA. The first Americans were innovating when they made the decision to leave an established life for the perils of an unknown world. They were innovating before we had government, a functioning economy, an educational system or national defense. In short, if Americans stop innovating, we stop being Americans.

We also believe that with an innovation-driven public policy, like the National Competitiveness Investment Act, the best is yet to come.”