Ballston Science and Technology Alliance presents It is Time to Bail Out the Future by Norm Augustine February 18, 2009

BALLSTON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE
presents

It is Time to Bail Out the Future

Mr. Norm Augustine, retired Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation and Chair of National Academies Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy: Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century. Moderated by Les Crystal, President of MacNeil-Lehrer Productions and the NewsHour and former producer of NBC News.

ABOUT THE TOPIC: At the request of Congress, the National Academies assembled some of our nation’s top scientists, engineers and industry leaders. Mr. Norm Augustine chaired the committee that arrived at a strategy with concrete steps. Among the study’s conclusions: The US must renew its commitment to education, research and innovation. The standard of living which most Americans have come to enjoy is dependent upon their having quality jobs available to them. The ability to create these jobs has, in turn, become increasingly dependent upon America’s ability to be highly competitive in the fields of science and technology. The government’s share of R&D spending has declined in recent years while business’ investment has increased – however, business has generally focused on development rather than basic research. Although the nation’s present position is one of considerable strength, many important trends are in the wrong direction. The conclusion of the National Academies “Gathering Storm” study was that absent strong intervention, particularly at the federal level, America’s competitiveness and the standard of living it supports is likely to deteriorate significantly in the years ahead. Mr. Augustine will provide an update on what actions are required of federal, state, local governments as well as each American. Congress is bailing out many businesses and institutions and considering others, but what are they doing or considering doing to maintain our lead in science and technology? What is being done to energize and employ American workers for a brighter economic future? What should each person do to ensure America’s economic vitality in the 21st century? Mr. Augustine will address these and other issues. Mr. Crystal will facilitate the Q&A period.