U.S. lead in science research and development narrowsBy Daniel Rothberg
5:45 p.m. CST, February 6, 2014WASHINGTON – The United States could be losing its edge in science and technology as emerging nations rapidly increase their investment in research and development,
according to new indicators released Thursday by the National Science Board.
Although the United States outspends all other nations at least 2 to 1, its share of global spending on R&D has fallen in the last decade. With China at the lead, Asia’s major economies together now account for a larger share of scientific investment, the indicators show. Other nations with significant R&D growth include South Korea, Brazil and India.
This trend can be partially attributed to nations investing heavily in universities to educate their labor forces and drive research, NSB Vice Chairman Kelvin Droegemeier said during a conference call.
“Now we see other nations moving rapidly and very strategically to bolster their own competitiveness,” he said. “American universities, without question, remain the destination of choice for scientists around the world but even our universities now face great competition from abroad.”