ChinaTalk The Science of the "Chips + Science Bill"
Aug 16, 2022
Toby Smith, Senior VP for Science Policy at the Association of American Universities, discusses the recent Chips + Science Act and its potential impact on scientific research. The conversation explores the historical context of U.S. scientific agencies and the ideological divides in tech policy. Smith emphasizes the necessity of balancing funding for fundamental science with applied technology, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry and academia. They also dive into the role of failures in innovation and the need for citizen engagement in science.
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NSF Origins
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) originated from Vannevar Bush's report, "Science, the Endless Frontier," post-WWII.
- It aimed to support basic research and initially included national defense, but other agencies took on those roles.
Crisis-Driven Science
- Government science investment often responds to crises, like Sputnik, the space race, or the rise of Japan.
- These crises have shaped competitive programs and agencies like the Department of Energy.
Shifting Republican Views
- Republicans historically favored applied research in national security, exemplified by the Department of Defense's R&D.
- The civilian R&D investment generally avoided picking winners and losers, but this has shifted.
