Innovation Lightbulb

Innovation Lightbulb is a biweekly newsletter on trends in technology and innovation that puts data first and commentary second

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Innovation Lightbulb: How Greater Patent Equity Spur U.S. Innovation

Patents are the engine of innovation, but structural rigidities prevent some Americans from considering themselves "inventors." A multifaceted approach is needed to improve patent awareness and confidence, diversify the pool of inventors, and boost U.S. competitiveness.

Newsletter by Julia Yoon — July 26, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: Strengthening K-12 STEM Education for a Robust U.S. Technology Workforce

According to the National Science Foundation, the average mathematics test scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress declined in 2022 compared to previous years. Improving math competency and fostering interest in STEM must start early in a child’s education and must reach across all communities. Doing so will help broaden and diversify the talent pipeline into industries of strategic and economic importance, ensuring U.S. competitiveness for years to come.

Newsletter by Julia Yoon — June 28, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: Private Investment in Quantum Technology

QIST is moving from theory to practical applications with potential across sectors, yet industry growth remains limited. Sustained funding, including through reauthorizing the National Quantum Initiative Act and fully funding the CHIPS Act, is crucial for U.S. leadership in this field.

Newsletter by Hideki Tomoshige — June 14, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: Breaking Down Private Sector Research and Development

Across three key metrics of innovative activity—total R&D expenditure, domestic R&D employment, and R&D intensity—four industrial subsectors stand out. This week, we dive into private-sector R&D activity and look at which industries are driving a surge in U.S. R&D activity.

Newsletter by Gregory Arcuri and Julia Yoon — May 22, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: What's Left of the CHIPS Act Funds?

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced preliminary terms for major semiconductor manufacturing projects across the country at a steady pace. This week, we look at how much of the CHIPS Semiconductor Financial Assistance Program funds have been committed so far and how much remains unallocated.

Newsletter by Gregory Arcuri — May 8, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: A Look at DoD's Trusted & Assured Microelectronics Program

What measures is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) taking to ensure a secure and stable semiconductor supply chain for defense applications? This week, we look at the Trusted and Assured Microelectronics program (TAM)—the DoD's largest semiconductor initiative by funding. 

Newsletter by Tisyaketu Sirkar — April 19, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: Foreign-born Share of the U.S. STEM Workforce

Among the U.S.’s most educated STEM workforce cohort, foreign-born representation is significant. Nearly 60 percent of doctorate-level computer and mathematical scientists and doctorate-level engineers employed across all S&E fields in the U.S. are foreign-born.

Newsletter by Julia Yoon — April 5, 2024

Innovation Lightbulb: Capital Expenditures among U.S. Chip Firms

Analyzing capital expenditure, or “capex,” from leading semiconductor firms headquartered in the United States can provide valuable insight into the nature of the industry. Publicly reported capex from fifteen leading U.S. companies over the past ten years shows dramatic growth in spending across the sector.

Newsletter by Gregory Arcuri and Bailey Crane — October 16, 2023

Innovation Lightbulb: Zooming in on Domestic Semiconductor Investments in 2023

Since January 2023, companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain have announced over $24 billion in investments in the United States. This brings the total amount of announced private sector investment in semiconductors and electronics to $231 billion since 2021.

Newsletter by Bailey Crane — September 15, 2023