U.S. Innovation Competitiveness Summit: Welcome from CSIS and University of Kentucky
Short Summary:
The U.S. Innovation Competitiveness Summit, co-hosted by CSIS and the University of Kentucky, addresses America's declining global innovation leadership. Key points discussed include the uneven distribution of innovation hotspots, the need for broader participation (including underrepresented groups), strengthening intellectual property rights, and building regional innovation hubs. Specific technologies like semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing are highlighted as crucial areas for improvement. The summit aims to explore policies and strategies to revitalize American innovation, fostering inclusive growth and economic competitiveness. The Bayh-Dole Act and the importance of use-inspired research are discussed as crucial elements of successful innovation policy.
Detailed Summary:
The transcript covers the opening session of the U.S. Innovation Competitiveness Summit.
Section 1: Welcome and Introductions:
John Hamre (CSIS President) welcomes attendees and expresses gratitude for the partnership with the University of Kentucky, particularly Ian McClure, who spearheaded the summit. He introduces several key speakers, highlighting their expertise in technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation policy. Hamre frames the summit's importance within the context of a new era of great power competition, emphasizing the need to broaden the base of American innovation beyond existing hotspots like Silicon Valley. He notes the widening gap in opportunity between those working in booming digital fields and those in more traditional sectors.
Section 2: President Capilouto's Remarks:
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto emphasizes the importance of nationwide innovation, not just in concentrated areas. He highlights the university's significant contribution to Kentucky's economy through research and development, citing impressive figures on R&D spending and economic impact. He emphasizes the university's potential as a technology hub and the importance of policies that strengthen intellectual property rights and venture capital formation. He mentions the recently passed U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness Act as a positive step.
Section 3: Dr. Kopan's Keynote Address:
Dr. Walt Kopan, a senior advisor at CSIS and former NIST director, delivers a keynote address focusing on renewing American innovation. He defines innovation as "translating invention into impact," emphasizing its importance for economic growth, quality of life, and societal well-being. He discusses America's slipping global innovation leadership and the need for evidence-based policies. Kopan highlights the importance of the Bayh-Dole Act and the Stevenson-Wydler Act in fostering technology transfer and entrepreneurship, while also acknowledging unintended consequences like the rise of "patent trolls" and the decline of American manufacturing. He stresses the need for use-inspired research, targeted at solving real-world problems. He mentions several key technologies crucial for future competitiveness, including semiconductors, AI, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. He also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation. He highlights the "Return on Investment" initiative and NIST's "Unleashing American Innovation" green paper as efforts to address these challenges.
Section 4: Q&A and Concluding Remarks:
Hamre briefly addresses questions about standards setting, the role of the federal government, and protecting intellectual property in the Chinese market. He postpones detailed discussion of these topics to later sessions. He outlines the summit's structure, with subsequent days focusing on regional innovation hubs, intellectual property, technology transfer, and venture capital. He responds to a question about "common prosperity," framing his response in terms of the Declaration of Independence's principle of equality of opportunity, not outcome. He concludes by reiterating the summit's goal of broadening innovation across America.
Section 5: Governor Beshear's Pre-recorded Message:
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's pre-recorded message highlights Kentucky's economic growth and its role as a potential innovation hub. He emphasizes the state's investments in education, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, citing examples from the agritech sector. He underscores the importance of collaboration between government, universities, and the private sector in driving innovation. He mentions Lexington's ranking as a high-potential technology hub.