President Barack Obama's new innovation strategy was rolled out on the unofficial "Back to the Future Day" to emphasize the potential of science fiction and fantasy to predict or even inspire real-world technology advances.
"One reason for our excitement is that many of the innovations that we take for granted — such as smart phones and global communications satellite(s) — were inspired by science fiction," wrote Thomas Kalil, deputy director for policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, on the White House blog.
"A number of the technologies portrayed in 'Back to the Future' are either here today (flat panel displays, video chats, gesture-based computing) or under development (flying cars, hoverboards). Many technologies and ideas that seem like science fiction today — such as Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility, an Iron Man suit, or Andy Weir's story about astronauts on Mars — are being actively explored by scientists and engineers," he added.
The updated "Strategy for American Innovation" (read the plan) covers six areas that foster or expand innovative technologies, reflected in the document's chapter titles:
- Investing in the building blocks of innovation;
- Fueling the engine of private-sector innovation;
- Empowering a nation of innovators;
- Creating quality jobs and lasting economic growth;
- Catalyzing breakthroughs for national priorities;
- Delivering innovative government with and for the people.
The final chapter is called "New horizons for 2015 and beyond." The plan proposes various programs to funnel federal money into fundamental research, STEM education, private-sector research and development (through an enhanced tax credit) and other efforts.
