Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

Can public R&D investment revitalize a lagging economy?

The U.S. government spends about 0.7 percent of GDP on scientific research and development, down from 2 percent in the 1960s. Less investment means fewer chances for breakthroughs like the weapon-seeking robots that saved thousands of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan -- and created a new consumer products category. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports on an effort to jump-start public R&D.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
April 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 14, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 13, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
April 13, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
April 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
April 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
April 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
April 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
January 12, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
January 11, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 24, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
Israel's Prime Minister says the intense phase of the war in Gaza will end soon as Israel and the U.S. argue over weapons deliveries.
June 3, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode
57:46
After Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first woman to win Mexico's presidential election, a look at what that means for U.S. relations.
April 21, 2024 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:44
"PBS NewsHour" asks NATO’s Secretary General if the delayed U.S. aid to Ukraine is too late to make a difference.
Active loading indicator