Bennet Supports CSU-Led Effort to Close Innovation Deficit

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet praised Colorado State University (CSU) in conjunction with the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and the Association of American Universities (AAU) for leading efforts to urge Congress to close the “Innovation Deficit” by supporting federal investment in research. The “Innovation Deficit” is the gap between what the U.S. is currently investing in research and education and what the U.S. should be investing to remain globally competitive.

In an effort to highlight the need for strong investments in education and technology the APLU and the AAU led a coalition of more than a dozen business, higher education, and scientific organizations in launching a CSU-produced video this morning explaining the direct link between research and economic growth.

“Our economy was founded on innovation, and the investments we make today in research and higher education are the best investments we can make for the next generation,” Bennet said. “At a time when other nations are increasing funding for science and technology, we must remain committed to closing the innovation gap. The efforts by CSU, the APLU, and the AAU to bring national attention to this issue are essential to keeping America competitive in a 21st century economy and to ensuring our students are trained for the jobs of the future.”