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Klobuchar: Innovation and Competition Will Lead the Way to Economic Growth

March 10, 2010

Washington, D.C. – At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for greater national emphasis on research and innovation and pressed for advancements to be made in science, technology, engineering, and math education.  As the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation and Export Promotion, Klobuchar underscored the importance innovation and exporting will play in driving America’s economic recovery.  The hearing examined the effectiveness of programs funded by the America COMPETES Act of 2007. Klobuchar cosponsored this legislation that invests in research and development and education.

“The U.S. has long been recognized as the global leader in science and engineering, but other countries are closing the gap fast,” said Klobuchar.  “Turning our technological advances into marketable products is vital to keeping our country globally competitive and crucial to strengthening our economy at home.”

At the hearing, Klobuchar outlined several areas of innovation that can be improved.  She called for an increase in research and development (R&D) funding, citing that in 2008 the United States ranked 24th out of 38 countries in terms of R&D tax credits.   

Klobuchar also discussed the potential of renewable energy to create jobs, grow industries, and put America back in charge of its energy future.  She noted that the U.S. is home to only one of the ten largest solar cell producers in the world, one of the top ten wind turbine producers and two of the top ten advanced battery manufacturers.

Additionally, Klobuchar focused on the need to advance in the area of science, technology, engineering, and math education.  The United States currently ranks 17th out of 29 developed countries in science and math education.

Klobuchar recently introduced the Export Promotion Act of 2010 to help small and medium-sized businesses promote their products overseas. More than 95 percent of the world’s customers are located outside the United States, and recently, 30 percent of U.S. businesses indicated that they would be interested in exporting but did not know where to begin.

The America COMPETES Act of 2007 was created in response to growing concerns that a decreasing science and engineering workforce would hinder the nation’s ability to compete in the global economy.  Funding for the legislation is set to expire this year. 

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