Competition called 'Critical' to nation's economy.

A recent conference sponsored in Washington, D.C., by the Association for Enterprise Integration highlighted the importance of competition.

"It is critical that we keep our nation the most competitive in the world," said Richard M. Russell, associate director of the president's office of science and technology policy. This requires an "innovation ecosystem," he told the conferees.

"The components are not surprising--investment in research and development, along with policies that encourage private sector R&D," Russell said. "Competitiveness also depends upon a kindergarten through 12th grade educational system, universities that are home to world-class learning and research, skilled U.S. workers; the ability to attract and retain talented and skilled individuals from around the world, and a business environment that encourages entrepreneurship and protects intellectual property."

To strengthen these ingredients, President Bush has launched an America's Competitiveness Initiative. As part of this effort, the administration in 2007 allocated $5.9 billion in R&D funds to the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Science Foundation, $380 million to improve K-12 math and science education, $250 million to establish new mathematics programs for elementary and middle school students.