Tech Wars

Book excerpt: This book explores the evolution of the current U.S. research and development enterprise, asks whether this organization remains appropriate to the challenges we face today, and proposes strategies for better preparing for the global technology race shaping our future. Across the globe, nation states and societies, as well as corporations, technology developers, and even individuals, find themselves on the front lines of a global technology race. In the third decade of this century, the outlines of the contest have become clear. R&D spending, new methods such as innovation centers, and powerful technologies in governments and society are rapidly proliferating. Technology winners and losers are emerging. How did we arrive at this global technology fight? How and where will it be waged? What can we do to prepare for the future? Tech Wars examines the conditions that have led us to this point and introduces new strategies, organizational changes, and resource allocations that will help the United States respond to the challenges on the horizon.