New report warns U.S. is losing leadership position in research and development

The United States could be in serious danger of losing its role as a world leader in technological innovation unless there is a significant reversal in current trends.

A recent report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, entitled “The Perils of Complacency: America at a Tipping Point in Science & Engineering” identifies a serious lack of funding for research and development, and urges those in charge of the purse strings to step up in order to ensure the country doesn’t fall behind, according to a post on the American Institute of Biological Sciences website.

“China is projected to become the world’s largest economy when measured by GDP by 2030. By 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States, China’s strategic plan calls for it to be well on its way to becoming the unchallenged world leader in science, technology, and innovation,” the post quotes from the report. “These developments are perilous for America, which today, 50 years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, is at a tipping point in R&D.”