Washington, D.C. (August 20, 2025) – Today, a new campaign launched to secure American leadership in research and innovation for generations to come. Knowledge for a Competitive America (KCA) will operate to preserve and strengthen essential science and research investments in the federal government that drove America to become a global power in the 20th century and continue to promote American prosperity and excellence today. Working with partner organizations around this central mission, KCA will elevate the stories that connect these foundational investments to the products and services that keep Americans safe, prosperous, and competitive.
America is facing a new frontier of challenges that demand the latest scientific capabilities and advanced monitoring to keep us on the cutting edge – and ahead of our global competitors. The campaign formed around the imperative to mobilize the full force of American ingenuity to ensure the United States remains the global leader in understanding, predicting, and responding to the larger forces that shape our lives.
“Innovation is written in this country’s DNA,” said Pamitha Weerasinghe, Campaign Director of Knowledge for a Competitive America. “Anyone who studies American history knows that ideas and ingenuity have always been the launch pad of American prosperity. It’s been the hard work of science and research that has helped this country win wars, save lives, and feed millions. It’s flown us around the world, explored every ocean, taken us to space and back. We can’t stop now. We have to equip the next generation of doers and makers with the resources, tools, and support they need to seize their opportunity to take America further and unlock possibilities we can’t even imagine.”
Federal research investments impact every part of American life – from where people live, to how they travel, and how they live their day-to-day lives. Knowledge for a Competitive America will bring together leaders from around the country to highlight the benefits federal research provides to keep the U.S. prosperous, competitive, and secure. The campaign will focus on key research and innovation investments within the following agencies:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Science Foundation
- United States Global Change Research Program
To learn more about Knowledge for a Competitive America’s vision and plan to drive awareness of federal research and innovation, please visit USACompetes.org.
Quotes from Partner Organizations:
“The International Association of Emergency Managers considers federal research through NOAA and other agencies a cornerstone of public safety. This work directly enhances the National Weather Service’s ability to provide accurate forecasts along with timely and effective warnings. Their information helps emergency managers protect people and property and increase the resilience of our communities.” – Mary Jo Flynn-Nevins, CEM, IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee Chair
“Federal investment in science and research has helped position the United States at the forefront of innovation. From carbon removal to clean manufacturing, these breakthroughs are driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and strengthening American competitiveness. Continued public investment is essential to unlocking the full potential of the private sector.” – Ben Rubin, Executive Director, Carbon Business Council
“I know of no other federal agencies that facilitate more economic activity for the US and for US companies than federal science agencies.” – Franklin Nutter, President, Reinsurance Association of America
“As a science-driven nonprofit, we believe in the critical importance of fundamental science and research investments, and we know they’ll play a central role in driving forward American innovation and leadership in our changing world. Spark looks forward to promoting federal research and innovation as we can continue building a safe and prosperous future together.” – Erika Reinhardt, Executive Director of Spark Climate Solutions
“Science and research are the backbone of American competitiveness. Innovations backed by the U.S. federal government underscore virtually every sector of our economy, from agriculture to manufacturing to clean technology. It is for all of these reasons that Knowledge for a Competitive America’s work will be critical to protecting America’s global economic leadership.” – Giana Amador, Executive Director at the Carbon Removal Alliance
“We all rely on federal agencies like NOAA to provide critical scientific research and data on everything ocean-related, from fish stocks to weather patterns. In fact, you don’t have to look any further than the weather app on your phone – or, if you consume seafood, your dinner plate – for clear evidence that this research helps keep us safe and prosperous. We urgently need to continue funding ocean science, particularly as temperatures and weather patterns change rapidly and we can’t rely on past patterns to hold true.” – Jeff Watters, Vice President of External Affairs, Ocean Conservancy
About Knowledge for a Competitive America:
Knowledge for a Competitive America (KCA) is a nonpartisan campaign focused on securing American leadership in research and innovation. Working with a network of partners, KCA works to preserve, strengthen, and drive awareness of essential federal science and research investments that keep the U.S. competitive, prosperous, and secure.
