University of California President Robert C. Dynes issued the below statement today (Dec. 15) on the introduction of the “National Innovation Act of 2005.”

“I commend Senators John Ensign and Joseph Lieberman and other members of the U.S. Senate for introducing the National Innovation Act of 2005.  This bipartisan legislation proposes policies that will go a long way in ensuring that our nation remains competitive in the 21 st century.  It is imperative that the United States strongly commits to putting in place the critical infrastructure to ensure that our nation remains a leader in the innovation that helps drive economic growth.

“Academic research institutions such as the University of California have a public responsibility to educate and train the next generation of innovators in science and industry.  As a major partner with the federal government on the research enterprise, the University of California supports efforts to increase funding for federal research agencies; make permanent the Research and Experimentation tax credit; and establish Innovation Acceleration Grants.  These efforts, which have their genesis in a report prepared by the Council on Competitiveness, will help us meet our responsibilities while ensuring that the U.S. maintains its competitive edge.

“I stand with other academic and business leaders across the country in urging Congress to expeditiously pass this important legislation to support innovation and ensure that the U.S. continues to lead.  This is a real opportunity for Congress to expand America’s economic, scientific and technological capacity.”

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