The Hale Report Deborah Wince-Smith: The Architecture of Innovation
May 31, 2025
Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness, dives into the dynamic landscape of U.S. innovation and competitiveness. She discusses the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering technological advancements and emphasizes the urgent need for educational reform, particularly in Chicago. Wince-Smith calls for restored federal R&D funding to boost innovation and examines the historical influence of women in shaping societies. The conversation reflects on global competitiveness and essential strategies for maintaining U.S. leadership in technology.
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Career from Archaeology to Innovation
- Deborah Wince-Smith transitioned from studying Bronze Age archaeology to innovation policy through a Cold War scientific exchange program.
- Her work with Eastern European countries was an unexpected career shift that paved the way to high-level science and technology roles.
U.S. Economic Flexibility Key
- The U.S. maintains competitiveness through a dynamic, flexible economy embodying Schumpeter's creative destruction.
- Unlike many countries, the U.S. embraces innovation and does not prop up obsolete industries.
Protect Innovation Infrastructure
- Protect and nurture the unique U.S. system of national labs, universities, and industry partnerships.
- Reforms must avoid de-investment in this unparalleled innovation infrastructure.