AAAS Statement on President Biden’s Announcement of Increased Investment in Federal Research Spending in the American Jobs Plan

President Biden stated he will “make sure we invest closer to 2%” of U.S. GDP in federal research spending in science and technology. This is a bold vision contrasted against the stark reality that we as a nation have become complacent while other nations increase their research intensity. We know China is planning annual increases of 7% for R&D and more than 10% for basic research. The American Jobs Plan released yesterday is a good first step toward a down payment for that vision. AAAS looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress to advance the conversation on how to make the investments we need.