Conversations on Innovation: New Thinking and New Approaches A Retrospective and Prospective Look at US Innovation with Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier
Event Details
Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 12:30 p.m. (ET)
Virtual (registration required)
The Center for Innovation Policy at Duke Law is honored to welcome Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier for our next “Conversations on Innovation: New Thinking and New Approaches” on Wednesday, 09 June 2021, at 12:30 p.m. (ET). Moderated by Dr. Denis Simon, Executive Director of the Center, “A Retrospective and Prospective Look at US Innovation” will feature a discussion with Dr. Droegemeier on America’s evolving competitive position in science and technology as well as ways the US can enhance its ability to remain a leader in those fields that will shape our economy and society in the future. A question and answer period will follow, allowing the audience to raise questions about the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the various initiatives overseen by OSTP, the potential future role that OSTP might play now that it has been upgraded to a Cabinet-level position under the Biden Administration, and other issues.
As Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) at the White House from 2017–2021, Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier presided over an intensive effort across the entire US government “to advance America’s global leadership in the industries of the future.” OSTP provided leadership and guidance in a number of critical science and technology areas, including establishing American leadership in artificial intelligence; pushing ahead on a national quantum information initiative; launching a national strategic plan on advanced manufacturing; coordinating a national effort on health security and innovation; enhancing American security through a national strategy on critical and emerging technologies; and, a strategy for developing the S&T workforce of the future. During Dr. Droegemeier’s time at OSTP, the particular focus went towards maintaining the integrity of the American research enterprise, identifying threats to the US R&D system, and developing strategies for minimizing such threats.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to provide the President and others within the Executive Office of the President with advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the environment, and the technological recovery and use of resources, among other topics. OSTP leads interagency science and technology policy coordination efforts, assists the Office of Management and Budget with an annual review and analysis of federal research and development budgets, and serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the federal government.