The importance of science and technology at the White House

Science, technology and innovation are key elements in addressing the economy, health care, energy and a host of other challenges our nation will face in the coming years. Because of the importance of science and technology in our society, a new article, Making a Critical Connection: Science Advice and the Next President, highlights the need for the swift appointment of a science advisor whom President-elect Barack Obama trusts. The article is published by the Foresight & Governance Project at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and authored by four living presidential science advisors, Democrats Drs. John H. Gibbons and Neal F. Lane and Republicans Drs. Edward E. David and John. P. McTague.

The benefits of making the right decisions regarding science and technology policy are enormous—as are the costs of making mistakes. Over the past 60 years, every president has had a science advisor and, since 1976, an office focused on science and technology issues. The science advisor and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) have historically played a central role — usually behind the scenes — in crafting national policies. A robust OSTP, located in the White House complex and closely integrated with the other White House functions such as the Office of Management and Budget, is of great importance.

Source: Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies