Max Baucus: “back in 1962, Marshall McLuhan wrote, ``The new electronic interdependence recreates the world in the image of a global…”

“back in 1962, Marshall McLuhan wrote, ``The new electronic interdependence recreates the world in the image of a global village.'' Certainly, 40 years later, that concept is truer than ever. As we prepare for the future in this global village, we need to affirm America's leadership role in the world. The United States accounts for one-third of the world's spending on scientific research and development, ranking first among all countries. While this is impressive, relative to GDP, though, the United States falls to sixth place. And the trends show that maintaining American leadership in the future depends on increased commitment to research and science. Asia has recognized this. Asia is plowing more funding into science and education. China, in particular, understands that technological advancement means security, independence, and economic growth. Spending on research and development has increased by 140 percent in China, Korea and Taiwan. In America, it has increased by only 34 percent. Asia's commitment is already paying off. More than a hundred Fortune 500 companies have opened research centers in India and China. I have visited some of them. I was impressed with the level of skill of the workers I met there. China's commitment to research, at $60 billion in expenditures, is dramatic by any measure. Over the last few years, China has doubled the share of its economy that it invests in research.”