Next President advised to fill high-tech jobs quickly

The next presidential administration needs to make finding and appointing science and technology experts an immediate priority, according to a new study. With the shift to a more technology-based society, the need to have the best scientists and engineers has increased, but the process for attracting them remains restrictive, concluded the report, "Science and Technology in the National Interest: The Presidential Appointment Process." The study was a joint effort of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine. About 80 senior scientists and engineers are appointed by the President, and 50 of those positions should be filled as soon as possible by each new administration, according to the study. The study recommends that presidential transition teams start gathering their list of experts before the election so positions can be filled soon after the President takes office. Because "high-quality appointees are crucial in providing guidance on changing societal issues, managing large research and development programs, and overseeing regulatory activities that have large technical components," according to the report, having these experts in place by April gives them sufficient time to participate in the budget process. One of the factors hindering the appointment of highly qualified and exceptional science and technology experts is the unattractiveness of government service. "A move to Washington, D.C., to undertake an appointment might require severing all ties with employers; forgoing pension benefits; selling stock, options, or other financial interests in companies at unfavorable terms, and foregoing options that are not yet vested," the report found. In addition, restrictions on appointees' activities after they leave government often leave them few job options. The study recommended that the appointments process be amended, shortened and fine-tuned, so that more scientists and engineers are inclined to join the government.