The February 2013 COGR meeting presentation addressed the immediate and long-term implications of federal budget sequestration on research funding, particularly for universities and research institutions. At the time, sequestration—the automatic, across-the-board cuts to discretionary federal spending—remained in force, despite a temporary reprieve delaying its implementation. The presentation outlined key fiscal measures, including imposed spending caps and major upcoming budgetary deadlines, and analyzed historical trends in deficit reduction, highlighting the persistent tension between cutting spending and raising revenues. Specific emphasis was placed on the disparate impact of sequestration across agencies, the challenges posed by delayed and reduced research awards, and concerns about the broader policy environment's effect on innovation and academic research.
The document identified various challenges across short, medium, and long-term horizons, such as immediate budget reductions, tax and entitlement reforms, and the potential for strategic paralysis within federal agencies. The session reviewed the effectiveness of past advocacy messages—such as arguing for research as a strategic investment, emphasizing U.S. global competitiveness and job creation, and challenging the narrative that discretionary spending drives the deficit. Participants questioned whether these messages remained persuasive and contemplated new themes centered on economic growth, research prioritization, and restructuring the federal budget process. The discussion ultimately emphasized the need for more nuanced, outcome-oriented advocacy and strategic planning by university leaders, with an understanding of the evolving fiscal landscape and its implications for research and innovation in the United States.
