Globalization trends remain strong, with investment, research capabilities, and commercialization migrating to
optimal locations, and new countries entering the mix of those committed to R&D as a national strategy. China’s
profile as the second-largest sponsor of global R&D continues to increase, whether measured in terms of funding or
generation of intellectual capital.
Even so, with over $400 billion in annual R&D funding from both public and private sectors, the United States continues
its historic and world-leading commitment to innovation as an essential catalyst for prosperity and growth. 

• U.S. Industry R&D Increases 3.8% to $280 Billion
• Growing Worldwide Emphasis on Basic Research
• Global R&D Spending to Increase 5.2% to $1.4 Trillion.
• Increasing Importance of R&D ROI and Collaboration

[1] PDF

…for the kids:

“Finally, each year I address the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) at all levels of education.
Among our charitable purposes, Battelle is deeply committed to STEM education as the foundation for a healthy,
productive, innovation-based society. In this Forecast is a powerful statistic: between 2003 and 2007, educational
output of scientists and engineers increased Asia’s share of the global researcher pool from 16% to 31%. It is no
coincidence that this corresponds to a period of rapid innovation and economic growth in that region, offering strong
evidence that STEM education is a critical enabler of research and innovation.”