Perspectives on Innovation

Regardless of your political views, there’s no doubt that history was made this week in the United States.  As noted in an article in New Scientist today, President Elect Barack Obama’s platform includes a pledge to lead a new era in scientific innovation in America.  According to his comprehensive Science and Technology Policy (pdf), submitted in September, this would be achieved by doubling the federal investment in basic research and by addressing the “grand challenges” of the 21st century.  What does this mean to you?  What is the #1 challenge you’d like to see addressed as part of this initiative?  Tell us in the comments.

With the American political season in high gear, what, if any contribution do you think open innovation can make to the policies of the next administration?

John McCain has proposed a $300 million prize for the development of a better car battery as part of his energy policy. Barack Obama spoke with ScienceDebate2008 about his technology and science innovation plan in an interview just published on the Wired Blog today.

Do you think open innovation or prize-based innovation would work on a government level? If you could suggest an issue or problem that could be solved with open innovation to either candidate, what would it be?