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The case for overhauling American science
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Overview
Michael Kratsios advocates for an overhaul of American science to leverage AI and enhance competitiveness against China. He references the historical context of Vannevar Bush's report, "Science: The Endless Frontier," which shaped government support for basic science in the U.S.
Summary from economist.com.
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Hacker News · economist.com
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Based on 5 sampled comments from this thread. Analyzed 2026-08-15.
- Praise: The proposal is seen as thoughtful in diagnosing the problems of the current system, sparking discussion about the need for direct funding to researchers.
- Concern: Commenters are skeptical that simply disbursing money to researchers will escape the same pitfalls of corruption and ideological bias as the current funding model.
- Concern: Many see the focus on out-competing China as misguided, arguing that outsourcing R&D could lead to a loss of jobs and innovation in the US.
- Concern: There's a strong sentiment that the current administration's approach to science funding is more about political maneuvering than genuine support for scientific advancement.