The US Is Having a Sputnik Moment That Could Benefit UC

When the Soviet Union launched its Sputnik satellite in 1957 - the first such satellite - the US suddenly developed an interest in fostering science, technology, engineering, math, etc., now often referred to as STEM subjects.

According to the NY Times, there is now developing a similar movement - this time over concerns about competition with China.

Senate Weighs Investing $120 Billion in Science to Counter China

The legislation has drawn bipartisan support amid the coronavirus pandemic as Democrats and Republicans have become increasingly concerned about Beijing’s supply chain dominance.

...“If we’re going to win the next century, the United States needs to be the one discovering the next groundbreaking technologies,” [Senate Majority Leader] Schumer said. “We have the opportunity now to set our country on a path to out-innovate, outproduce and outcompete the world in emerging industries of the 21st century, with profound consequences for our economic and national security. If we don’t lead in science and innovation, we will fall way behind.” ...

The legislation would provide $120 billion to support and expand research into new technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics. It would include $10 billion for the creation of 10 technology hubs to connect manufacturing hubs and research universities across the United States in an effort to scatter investments, rather than building onto already established tech behemoths on the two coasts...

Full story at https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/us/politics/senate-china-science.html