The case for overhauling American science
Michael Kratsios, the White House science chief, argues that America's scientific enterprise, built on the post-war 'Endless Frontier' model, needs a major overhaul to harness AI and out-compete China. He calls for a shift in focus from basic research to applied, mission-driven science, and for reforms to institutions like the NSF to keep the US at the forefront of technological innovation.
Bush's answer, a report entitled 'Science: The Endless Frontier', became the blueprint for American government support of basic science.
- x313
This is the full proposal: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Scienc...
It's pretty thoughtful about diagnosing the problems of the current system, but I don't know about the solutions. Disbursing money to researchers directly (or via industry) seems captive to the same incentives as disbursing money via universities.
- tolugenius
Achieve link (https://archive.is/20260813145232/https://www.economist.com/...)
Maybe I read it wrong but it seems the case being made is to overhaul the current NSF...with a different NSF? Like I'm failing to see what specifically the current government is doing to hamper AI progress that there should be a "focus on harnessing AI and out-competing China", and what harnessing AI actually means.
- jlund-molfese
It's a surprisingly short article https://archive.ph/DhZkR
- markvdb
Elementary respect for the scientific process and community. Respect for the intellectual culture it feeds on. Those would be a good start.
- jjk166
Between American science and American government, I know which one I want to see overhauled.