The article discusses the contrasts between the national innovation systems of countries like Japan and South Korea, and the more tacit system of the U.S., which relies heavily on government-funded research institutions and universities. American innovation thrives on support from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), contributing significantly to industries like biotech.
During President Trump’s tenure, the narrative shifts as he seemed to undermine this existing system through attacks on universities and cuts to research funding. While some tech giants, like Google and Tesla, have benefited from public funding, others were founded independently, showcasing the complex relationship between innovation and public policy.
Trump’s policies appear to prioritize the interests of tech monopolies over traditional educational and research institutions, favoring concentrated power among a few large tech companies. Despite potential cuts to research funding, these firms continue to flourish, maintaining their significant global influence.
The article concludes that Trump’s approach, while seemingly chaotic, is methodical in aligning with certain tech oligarchs, potentially reshaping the future landscape of American innovation and reinforcing existing inequalities in the system.
