How to revive science in America

Today, the United States often fancies itself as exceptional, indispensable in global affairs, and the last best hope of Earth.But no nation has a guarantee of lasting supremacy.By some measures, US supremacy in science and technology is already receding.Clearly, the country has incredible strengths.But to remain cutting edge and competitive, to revive science in America, we need to take tactical steps to foster better, more supportive science policy.We also need a strategic reset that seeks out global talent, diversifies funding sources, and clearly defines strategic priorities.Here, I outline how we can get there.In recent years, various metrics have called into question America's supremacy in science and technology.For example, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute tracks global performance in fields such as space, energy, the environment, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, robotics, cyber, computing, advanced materials, and key quantum technologies.By its reckoning, in 2003-2007, the United States led in 60 of 64 critical technologies; by 2019-2023, it led in only 7.And China led in just 3 of 64 technologies in 2003-2007, but in the most recent period of 2019-2023, it was the lead country in 57 of 64 technologies (1).For 40 years, the United States led in the number of patent applications filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty that streamlines patent protection in multiple countries.China's applications in the year 2000 were negligible.In 2019, for For American science to remain cutting edge and competitive, we need to take tactical steps to foster better, more supportive science policy.We also need a strategic reset that seeks out global talent, diversifies funding sources, and clearly defines strategic priorities.