Using Federally Funded University Research To Power America
Justin Schwartz, Chancellor, University of Colorado Boulder.
A $53 million scientific instrument soared into space in October on a mission to reshape how we understand life in our solar system. The Europa Surface Dust Analyzer—or SUDA—is a cutting-edge tool, designed and built at the University of Colorado Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, tasked with searching for organic molecules on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons.
While SUDA's journey is a remarkable achievement, I think it also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of science and technology to shape our world—innovations like the development of the polio vaccine, the invention of the CAT scan and the creation of seatbelts. Like the Europa Clipper mission, these milestones highlight the extraordinary potential of federally funded university research to transform discovery into real-world impact.
Since World War II, the U.S. research and development (R&D) enterprise has driven an era of prosperity and innovation, fueling breakthroughs in space, medicine and technology while empowering our national security and international trade.
But today, more than any time in the past 80 years, America appears to be at a crossroads. While the foundation of federally funded research has propelled us to the forefront of international progress, uncertainty threatens to erode our position.
As we enter a new phase of federal leadership, our commitment to innovation—and our ability to remain globally competitive—must transcend politics. Our future hinges on consistent investment in university research.
While the U.S. once held an undisputed lead in R&D, nations such as China, Germany and Japan are rapidly closing the gap, vying for supremacy in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum science and sustainable energy technologies. This heightened competition poses serious challenges to America's economic and national security.
The semiconductor industry exemplifies this dynamic. Once a global leader, the U.S. saw manufacturing and innovation shift to countries like Taiwan, China and South Korea. Recent global supply chain disruptions exposed the risks of relying on imports for critical technologies, spurring the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022. Despite the over $50 billion investment to restore U.S. competitiveness, the future remains uncertain.
Federal funding has long been "the bedrock of national innovation," enabling breakthroughs in industries like aerospace, healthcare, defense and energy. But with an increasingly uncertain commitment to R&D and the funding to back it up, the U.S. risks falling behind. I think the choice is clear: Bolster our commitment to the investments that have fueled our success or watch other nations pioneer the industries of the future.
As evidenced by the Europa Clipper mission and past endeavors, universities are at the heart of America's innovation ecosystem. Federally funded research in university labs has given rise to life-changing technologies: LED lights, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), LCDs, vaccines and more. It's also the seedbed for iconic companies like Google and Genentech, which began as university research projects and grew into global powerhouses.
Innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, Boston's Route 128, North Carolina's Research Triangle and Colorado's Front Range corridor thrive because they unite research universities, federal laboratories, entrepreneurs, established industries and venture capital. These ecosystems don't just produce scientific discoveries; they create jobs, strengthen local economies and drive America's competitiveness on the global stage.
In 2005, for example, CU Boulder developed a Nobel Prize-winning frequency comb technology in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Today, university spinout startups are refining it to tackle societal challenges, from detecting methane leaks in gas fields to developing a breathalyzer for early disease detection.
The real competitive edge lies in the convergence of top researchers, industry partners and policy support—working together across innovation corridors to solve the biggest challenges of our time.
The "raw materials" concentrated in America's leading innovation hubs include scientists, students and facilities at top-notch research universities; community colleges and other workforce development engines; industry leaders and vibrant startup communities; and thriving federal labs and state support.
If you're a business leader looking to stay ahead, consider this: Safeguarding national security, advancing quantum and AI technologies and responding to climate-related disruptions aren't just government priorities—they're business imperatives. These are the kinds of complex challenges that demand comprehensive, collaborative solutions.
It's clear to me that partnering with research universities isn't just good citizenship; it's smart strategy. These partnerships can de-risk early-stage innovation, offer access to high-end labs and top-tier talent and help translate bold ideas into scalable ventures.
Ways you can get involved include:
• Licensing university tech.
• Sponsoring applied research.
• Supporting STEM workforce pipelines.
• Engaging with academic R&D.
• Co-developing projects.
For industry and government leaders seeking effective solutions to complex challenges, these hubs offer cutting-edge research, skilled talent and strong pathways to commercialization.
From SUDA's Europa mission to groundbreaking research in climate resilience and quantum technology, federally funded university research is transforming lives and shaping the future. Innovation is America's great differentiator; let's not leave it to chance. Let's fund it, scale it and ensure it continues to serve as a foundation for prosperity.
Support for university research has an impact beyond students, faculty and the local economy—it benefits every American. It drives job creation, protects against reliance on imported critical technology and keeps the U.S. at the forefront of progress.
The next time you depend on GPS, open your laptop or even fasten your seatbelt, think of the university research ecosystem that made these advances possible.
Our future depends on sustained, visionary investment. By supporting and investing in these hubs for innovation, we can ensure America remains a leader in discovery and prosperity for generations to come.
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