The National Science Foundation has reported that clear evidence exists that science and engineering (S&E) research is becoming an increasingly international endeavor.

In light of the economic consequences of this conclusion, and the questions it raises "for U.S. private firms and for the Nation's overall economic strength"  the NSF has recommended that:

"The Office of Science and Technology Policy should call for a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness. Issues for discussion would include: (a) relationships between U.S. and foreign-supported R&D to ensure continued vitality and growth of U.S. technical strength, (b) safeguarding national interests in intellectual property, (c) ensuring that the U.S. economy benefits from R&D supported abroad, and (d) assessing critical research areas for which the U.S. should be the global R&D leader."

"Science and engineering (S&E) activities are occurring and intensifying in more regions and economies, largely in response to recognition by governments that S&E research and development (R&D) leads to economic growth, employment, and overall social well-being of their citizens," concludes  the "Globalization of Science and Engineering Research" report released this week.

The National Science Board also calls for federal agencies and U.S. industries to benchmark their research against international competitors, to ensure domestic technical expertise stays ahead of other nations. Download the PDF Version (932 KB) of the study.

According to the NSF worldwide expenditures on research and development have doubled since 1996 to $1.1 trillion annually. growth has come from from China, India and other Asian nations. Such growth benefits U.S. competitiveness by increasing overall knowledge and opening more avenues for international collaboration, says the report.  But it also gives firms opportunities to look elsewhere for such expertise.