
The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2022
January 2022
The United States has a key position in the global science and engineering (S&E) enterprise. As S&E capacity has increased globally, the U.S. position has changed despite increases in the absolute amount of S&E activity in the United States. Although the United States was key in the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, the data in this report show the U.S. S&E enterprise could be strengthened. The data reveal capacity-building areas in the U.S. S&E enterprise in the STEM education system and STEM workforce, R&D investment, and innovation activities.
Continue Reading >Science and Technology: Public Perceptions, Awareness, and Information Sources
May 2022
Public perceptions of science and technology in the United States affect many aspects of civic life. This report provides insights into public confidence in science, understanding of scientific research principles, and Americans’ engagement with science through media, scientific activities, or children’s science activities. Confidence in science remains high among Americans: 89% of Americans believe scientists work to make life better for the average person. During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. adults tended to think more often about the impact of science in their everyday life than they had before the pandemic.
Continue Reading >Research and Development: U.S. Trends and International Comparisons
April 2022
Investment in R&D is essential for a country’s success in the global economy and for its ability to address challenges and opportunities in diverse societal areas such as health, environment, and national security. This report analyzes trends in U.S. R&D performance and funding, both domestically and within a global context. The growth of U.S. total R&D has accelerated in the most recent years, due mainly to sizable increases in business R&D. Globally, the United States remains the largest R&D performer; however, the global concentration of R&D continues to shift from the United States and Europe to East-Southeast and South Asia.
Continue Reading >Production and Trade of Knowledge- and Technology-Intensive Industries
April 2022
Knowledge- and technology-intensive (KTI) industries produce innovative products and technologies that are essential for economic growth and for addressing diverse social challenges from health to national security. This report analyzes data on U.S. KTI production, trade, and two enabling technologies: biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). The United States is the largest global producer of KTI services. U.S. KTI exports rely less on foreign production than do those from other countries. The United States also leads in many aspects of biotechnology and AI, although other countries are rapidly building these capabilities.
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