We need a real debate about the proper role of the government as a partner to help the private sector in winning the race for global innovation advantage. Stale debates about "makers and takers" and "who made this or that" miss the key issue: how would each candidate propose to structure federal policy so it helps our businesses win in intensely competitive global markets? This means helping businesses field a workforce with skills second to none and supporting science and technology so firms have access to the flow of innovation to help them to get to market with globally competitive products. While America has fallen behind and lost our game, it's still possible we can get back in the race and create the millions of well-paying jobs that come with winning. But only if Washington takes these challenges seriously and examines the global race closely. And that begins with an honest and on point debate about how to win the innovation race.
