FAS Statement on Michael Kratsios’ OSTP Hearing
Yesterday, Michael Kratsios, the president’s nominee to be director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), repeatedly stressed his belief in the importance of continuing the United States’ historic leadership in science and technological innovation, and the goal of “ensuring that all Americans benefit from scientific and technological advances.”
Mr. Kratsios’ words, along with his track record and OSTP experience as U.S. Chief Technology Officer, offer encouragement that our community can continue to work constructively with him and the important office he would lead.
With so much at stake, we cannot afford to cede science and technological leadership or its underpinnings: foundational federal R&D investments, growing STEM talent pipelines, and the best scientific and technical expertise to support policymakers. Commitment to these things are the basis for a healthy and thriving society.
There is no better time to re-invigorate America’s innovation edge by investing in R&D to create and capture “industries of the future,” re-shoring capital and expertise, and working closely with allies to expand our capabilities while safeguarding those technologies that are critical to our security.
Russia currently maintains nearly 5,460 nuclear warheads, with an estimated 1,718 deployed. This represents a slight decrease in total warheads from previous years but still positions Russia as the world’s largest nuclear power alongside the United States.
The stakes are high: how we manage this convergence will influence not only the pace of technological innovation but also the equity and sustainability of our energy future.
We’re launching an initiative to connect scientists, engineers, technologists, and other professionals who recently departed federal service with emerging innovation ecosystems across the country that need their expertise.