May 26, 2006

American Competitiveness Initiative Will be Boon to Central Ohio Research, Education, Job Creation

COLUMBUS , OH - Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) today submitted the following editorial:

In his State of the Union address, the President outlined what he called the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) – a strategy to ensure that America’s economy remains the most innovative and competitive in the world. Under the ACI, the federal government will encourage more aggressive investment by businesses in research and development, increase federal support for vital basic research, and improve math and science education for America’s students.

This week, the House of Representatives took an important first step toward this goal of maintaining U.S. hegemony in the global economy by passing H.R. 5427, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. In addition to funding our federal energy and water programs and agencies, the bill will significantly impact central Ohio’s research and educational institutions, solidify our area as a leader in technological innovation, and create high-paying jobs and spin-off industries. All the while, the bill honors our commitment to spending taxpayer dollars wisely by coming in $172 million below last year’s funding level.

Central Ohio is home to some of the most internationally acclaimed research institutions in the world, including The Ohio State University and Battelle, and all of them stand to benefit greatly from our efforts to spur investment in research and development. The ACI seeks to encourage aggressive exploration in promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources. Advancement in these areas is vital not only for America’s continued competitiveness in the international economy, but for technology-based job creation here in Ohio.

While business investment in R&D is critical, improving our nation’s performance in math and science is an equally important component of the ACI. While we are reluctant to admit it, by the time our students reach high school, they have fallen behind most of the developed world in these subjects. Our future economic success in an increasingly mathematical and technological world demands that we aggressively encourage students who demonstrate proficiency in these areas to continue in their studies, and seek new and innovative means to fully harness the talents of mathematically gifted students.

It is fitting that OSU and Battelle recently announced a collaborative effort to establish the Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy – a think tank to explore strategies for improving America’s proficiency in math and science. This announcement came on the heels of the creation of Metro High School, a unique alternative math and science learning lab in Columbus set to open its doors next fall. Both Battelle and OSU should be commended for these important partnerships, and central Ohio will become competitively stronger because of their efforts.

We must never take for granted America’s hegemony in the global economy. Our past economic dominance is a result of more than two centuries of American ingenuity and a skilled and educated workforce, but it in no way guarantees future economic supremacy. Only through thoughtful planning and public-private collaboration -- the kind envisioned in the American Competitiveness Initiative – can our nation ensure future economic success for generations to come.