Sen. Amy Klobuchar outlined a national innovation agenda last week at an
Innovation Summit at the University of Minnesota.
Klobuchar shared the stage at the Mayo Auditorium with Carlson
Companies' chairman Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Medtronic CEO William
Hawkins, and University research vice president Tim Mulcahy, among
others.
"Innovation has always been a catalyzing force in the American economy,"
Klobuchar said. "In recent years, however, the country has fallen
behind in its efforts to research, develop, and compete in the global
economy. We are resting on our laurels at a time when other countries,
including China and India, are moving full-steam ahead."
Her strategy to help America regain its innovation edge consists of a
series of targeted tax breaks and regulatory reforms, as well as a
longer-term focus on improving science, technology, engineering, and math
education.
Klobuchar has been collaborating on the legislation with U.S. Sen. Mark
Warner of Virginia, who also spoke at the event. Warner said too much
brain power was wasted building a "financial house of cards," and that
the country needs fewer financial engineers and more "real engineers."
Other speakers noted Minnesota's struggle converting basic research into
commercial products, as well as efforts for the University of Minnesota
to work more closely with private companies in the state.
Klobuchar is on the Senate Commerce Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Export Promotion.
Source: Sen. Amy Klobuchar Innovation Summit
Writer:
Dan Haugen