Julie Heng

Research Associate, Renewing American Innovation
Julie Heng

Julie Heng is a research associate with Renewing American Innovation working primarily on U.S. science and technology policy, biotechnology governance, and regional innovation. Previously, she was a public interest technology fellow at the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, an investigative journalism apprentice at the Detroit Free Press, and an intern with the Washtenaw County Division of Public Works. She graduated with highest honors in evolutionary biology and philosophy at Harvard University, where she researched antimicrobial resistance and cancer evolution.

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Audio Briefs

The NSF Is a Key National Security Pillar—Now Is Not the Time to Disarm

An audio version of “⁠⁠The NSF Is a Key National Security Pillar—Now Is Not the Time to Disarm⁠⁠,” a new commentary by CSIS's Sujai Shivakumar and Julie Heng. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Sujai Shivakumar and Julie Heng — May 1, 2025

Audio Briefs

The NSF Is a Key National Security Pillar—Now Is Not the Time to Disarm

Abandoning what is unquestionably the main battlefield of the twenty-first century would be a strategic mistake of historic proportions. Now is the time to strengthen—not weaken—U.S. national innovation capabilities and technological competitiveness, and the NSF is key.

Commentary by Sujai Shivakumar and Julie Heng — May 1, 2025

Innovation Lightbulb: Tracking CHIPS Act Incentives

Over two years after the CHIPS and Science Act was passed to revitalize U.S. semiconductor research and manufacturing and drive innovation, the distribution of CHIPS Act incentives offers an early look at how this ambitious industrial policy is taking shape.

Newsletter by Chris Borges, Yutong Deng, and Julie Heng — April 25, 2025

Innovation Lightbulb: Not Just Attracting But Retaining International STEM Students

While the United States remains the top destination for international students, a factor that has historically helped the country maintain a competitive edge, this advantage is increasingly at risk if U.S. STEM graduates are not retained in the newly competitive global market for high skills.

Newsletter by Julie Heng and Yutong Deng — April 11, 2025

Moving Beyond the Regulation/Deregulation Trap

When it comes to good governance and good business, the regulation/deregulation dichotomy often misleadingly oversimplifies the issue. Innovation frequently thrives in the presence of clear and predictable regulatory frameworks that can both protect investments and serve the public interest.

Blog Post by Julie Heng — February 20, 2025