Hoosier State Today

Senator Todd Young and Matthew Pottinger emphasize the importance of federal investment in research and development for maintaining U.S. technological superiority. In a column published in The Washington Post, they argue that such funding is crucial for national security and economic competitiveness, especially as global competition intensifies.

"Federal investment in ambitious research and development" has historically contributed to the United States' technological edge, they state. They highlight the need for continued support in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and robotics.

Young and Pottinger express concern over China's strategic investments aimed at achieving global technological dominance. "The Chinese Communist Party — our primary strategic adversary — is leveraging China’s engineering talent and manufacturing prowess," they note. China's significant R&D spending has positioned it as a formidable competitor, particularly in critical technologies.

They point out that while China's commitment to R&D grows, U.S. federal funding has decreased since its Cold War peak. This decline creates gaps in the nation's research capabilities.

The authors stress the role of private sector investment but acknowledge its limitations due to market preferences for short-term gains over long-term technological advancements. "Beijing’s heavy subsidies for its national champions make it even less enticing for American private companies," they add.

To address these challenges, Young and Pottinger propose two steps: increasing federal funding for science research through congressional appropriations and creating pathways to bring innovations from labs to market within the U.S. They advocate for a regulatory environment that supports domestic production of new technologies.

They conclude by calling on policymakers to collaborate with innovators nationwide, stating that "basic research isn’t a federal handout" but essential for future innovation and security.

Todd Young represents Indiana in the U.S. Senate as a Republican. Matt Pottinger chairs the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and served as deputy national security adviser from 2019 to 2021.