Former U.S. Tech Chief Sounds Alarm on Innovation Gap

America’s Innovation Edge at Risk

Michael Kratsios, former U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Trump, is sounding the alarm on America’s slipping position in global tech leadership. In a recent interview, Kratsios outlined concerns that without a clear and aggressive national innovation strategy, the United States could be overtaken by China in areas like artificial intelligence, biotech, and quantum computing. He stressed the need for better federal coordination and increased investment in foundational technologies, warning that American leadership is no longer guaranteed. “We need a concrete plan,” Kratsios stated, adding that while private industry drives much of today’s innovation, government plays a pivotal role in fostering emerging technologies and setting national priorities.

Bridging the Government-Industry Divide

Kratsios believes that the key to revitalizing U.S. technological dominance lies in closer public-private collaboration. He criticized fragmented federal efforts and called for a central body or framework to unite agencies, academia, and enterprise around strategic tech goals. Drawing on his work at the helm of the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy, he recounted past efforts to mobilize resources for 5G and pandemic-era tech responses as models for future initiatives. Ultimately, he argued, defending America’s innovation lead will require more than free-market forces—intentional, targeted national planning is essential to compete in today’s high-stakes tech race.