Canadians concerned about our lacklustre innovation performance were cheered by the budget announcement that the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program would be reviewed.

In the global race to lead in critical technologies, Europe is playing catch-up in some areas while maintaining leadership in select sectors. To benefit fully from its existing competencies, the EU must maintain a technological cutting-edge, strengthen and expand industrial capacities, and diversify its international partners.

When we think of the State of Japan we undoubtedly imagine one at the forefront of innovation, modern society, and the systematic implementation of technologies of the highest level. All this has been achieved with hard work and a particular focus on developing a country that understood that wealth is not in the ground but in the talent of individuals who make up society and who, in turn, are capable of generating it.

Until a significant share of America’s leaders believes the United States is in economic competition with other nations—and that it has a right and duty to win that competition—generating the political will for a national advanced-industry strategy will be difficult.