January/February 2007

IEEE-USA's Innovation Agenda

By Russ Lefevre

In 2006, IEEE-USA Government Relations volunteers and staff focused on implementation by the U.S. Congress the provisions of the National Academy of Engineering report Rising Above the Gathering Storm that matched our legislative agenda. Although our efforts, along with those of other concerned organizations, were partially successful, the constrained schedule of the Congress in an election year yielded disappointing results. In 2007, our efforts will attempt to build on our partial success to help convince the Congress pass legislation that will be helpful to U.S. IEEE members.

IEEE-USA's strategy will take account of the political make up of the new Congress. In the Senate, it is expected that the bipartisan innovation and competitiveness bills introduced in 2006 will be reintroduced. The pertinent bills had more than 60 co-sponsors. In late September, a bill was introduced by the leaders of Republican and Democratic parties that incorporated Gathering Storm provisions from three previously introduced bills. All three of the bills had more than 60 co-sponsors, indicating that the bipartisan bill has a good chance of passing the Senate.

In the House, the situation is more complicated. Although the House under Republican leadership generally supported the President's American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), there were very few Authorization Bills introduced to implement the ACI. Bills were reported by the Appropriations Committees that met the President's budget recommendations for the ACI but the bills were not voted on during the lame duck session. Instead, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution to keep the Government running until 15 February 2007. The Democratic minority introduced several bills implementing many of the provisions of the Senate bills but they were not acted on.

In 2006, House Democrats adopted an 'Innovation Agenda: A Commitment to Competitiveness to Keep America #1." The provisions of the agenda were:

• Create an educated, skilled workforce in the vital areas of science, math, engineering and information technology

• Invest in a sustained federal research and development initiative that promotes public-private partnerships

• Guarantee affordable access to broadband technology for all Americans

• Achieve energy independence in 10 years by developing emerging technologies for clean and sustainable alternatives that will strengthen national security and protect the environment

• Provide small businesses with the tools to encourage entrepreneurial innovation and job creation

To implement the agenda, the House democrats called for a number of legislation initiatives. Among them were bills to:

• Place a highly qualified teacher in every math and science K-12 classroom by offering upfront tuition assistance to talented undergraduates

• Encourage professional engineers and scientists to join the ranks of the nation's teachers

• Create regional Centers of Excellence for basic research to develop cutting-edge technological innovations and new industries

• Double federal funding to promote broadband for all Americans

• Protect the intellectual property of American innovators worldwide

Since the election the Democratic Innovation Agenda has been incorporated into their overall legislative agenda. The elements of the Innovation Agenda can be found in 'A New Direction for America The Book" on the House Democratic Leader's Web site [www.house.gov/pelosi]. This agenda is largely based on the provisions of Gathering Storm, with modifications designed to appeal to the Democratic constituency. Most of the details of the proposed legislation have been supported by IEEE-USA in the past and are generally positive for our members.

IEEE-USA Technology Policy committees worked throughout 2006 on behalf of legislation to implement the Gathering Storm recommendations. During 2007, we plan to continue this effort with indications that there may be a better environment for passage of enabling legislation. The President and the incoming Speaker of the House have put out press releases that indicate support for a national innovation initiative and many of the proposed provisions are supported by both sides.

Check out IEEE-USA's innovation and competitiveness resource page at: www.ieeeusa.org/policy/issues/innovation/

Russ Lefevre is a Life Fellow of the IEEE and 2007 IEEE-USA President-Elect. Comments may be submitted to todaysengineer@ieee.org.