The Optical Society (OSA) has issued a statement on the passage and signing of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which promotes investment in research and development innovations that will better allow U.S. companies to compete in the international marketplace. In addition, the bill includes a provision calling for increased partnership among federal science agencies, academia and industry to advance optics and photonics technologies.
In an effort to promote the continued development of the optics and photonics industry, the bill encourages federal agencies to share information on optics and photonics-related programs, partner with the private sector and academia to leverage knowledge and resources, and ensure a highly trained optics and photonics workforce through Federal and private sector sponsored internships and improved educational facilities and programs in colleges and universities. In addition to the promotion of optics and photonics, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act aims to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens on federally funded researchers, provide grants to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM-related fields and increase educational outreach efforts to K-8 students.
The bill received broad bi-partisan support and was passed by a unanimous consent in both the House and Senate.
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