Ben Jones, an economist specializing in economic growth and a former Senior Economist at the White House, dives into the critical role of federal spending on science and its link to productivity growth. He discusses how government structure affects economic outcomes and the impacts of private sector R&D. The conversation addresses challenges young scientists face in securing funding, the promise of AI in innovation, and the necessity for greater federal investment in research to drive long-term progress. A thought-provoking look at the intersection of economics and scientific enterprise!