Washington, D.C. — TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore made the following statement announcing TechNet’s support for the Endless Frontier Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill, introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and co-sponsored by Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), would work to ensure the United States maintains its technological supremacy in the face of threats to innovation and economic growth from nations abroad. Among other things, the bill would:
- Rename the National Science Foundation to the National Science and Technology Foundation which, with a $100 billion five-year authorization, would work to discover new technologies; an additional $10 would be invested in American cities to create 10 to 15 regional technology hubs.
- Invest in technology areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, high performance computing, advanced communications technology, robotics, cybersecurity automation, and advanced manufacturing in addition to other key initiatives.
- Increase research spending at universities and launch new educational initiatives for undergraduates, graduates, and post-doctoral fellows.
- Coordinate with private sector stakeholders and state and local economic development leaders to build regional innovation ecosystems.
“Our nation’s technological superiority is a major driver of America’s global competitiveness and economic growth, and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the key role tech plays in the lives of millions of Americans and people worldwide. TechNet is proud to support the Endless Frontier Act, which will help ensure that our country continues to lead the world in innovation and create jobs. We congratulate Senate Democratic Leader Schumer, the author of this bipartisan, bicameral bill, and its co-sponsors Senator Young, Representative Khanna, and Representative Gallagher for their commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and science, which will help bolster the number of inventions coming from our shores and create employment opportunities for years to come.”