Robert Hummel, PhD
Academics love to ascribe ideas to others based on prior publications, as ideas are their currency. It is graduate students, however, who do much of the research and work. At the Potomac Institute, our ideas come from seminars, discussions, and suggestions—often from members of the Board of Regents or Fellows. Research associates, staff, and interns pursue these ideas, providing unsung support to archival publications. While my name appears on many of these publications, the ideas and work are frequently the result of collaborative efforts within the think tank environment of seminars, discussions, and research.
In this issue of STEPS, numerous affiliates contributed ideas, research, and critiques. As editor-in-chief, I take sole credit only for the conveyance. The Potomac Institute Press under the capable hands of Sherry Loveless and Alex Taliesen deserves much credit for the professional text and design of the issue.
This issue of STEPS features an article examining the challenges and responsibilities faced by the Space Force, drawing insights from collaborations with senior leaders and consultants familiar with the formation of this new military service. One article focuses attention on the complexities and possible solutions. Another article discusses the space debris problem.
Our engagement with the government on semiconductor industry issues and the CHIPS Act raised an important tax policy consideration: why research and development is not recognized as a customary and necessary corporate expenditure deductible for tax purposes. An article in this issue of STEPS highlights the need to reconsider this tax policy, which could have significant implications for innovation.
The Potomac Institute has a longstanding interest in the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on social media and information dissemination. One of our Summer 2024 interns, under the guidance of our Intern Director, provides a fresh perspective of how social media companies prioritize engagement through targeted advertising and profiling. This analysis is crucial for understanding the policy implications of digital information ecosystems. It is gratifying to give a college student well-deserved publication credit in this forum, and we commend her article as first-rate.
Looking forward, the Institute is considering topics and issues the next administration, regardless of leadership, could prioritize in national science and technology investments. From AI regulation to commercial investments in space and satellite technology, the Institute has identified opportunities where industrial policy could justify strategic government investments to benefit society. One article in this issue of STEPS explores key technology opportunities for national investment.
Enjoy these articles, and let the discussions continue so that the ideas can translate into policy actions.
Robert (Bob) Hummel, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, STEPS
Chief Scientist, Potomac Institute