Business Notes

The awesome performance of U.S. missiles and fighter planes in the gulf war seemed a reassurance of America's technological prowess. But an alarming report last week by the nonprofit Council on Competitiveness raises new questions about the nation's high-tech health. The council examined 94 critical technologies and found the U.S. leading the world or holding its own in 61 and trailing in 33 others. While America remains strong in biotechnology, artificial intelligence and aerospace, it is falling behind or losing in lasers, computer chips and robotics.

The council urged Washington to increase federal research spending for nonmilitary technologies. The U.S. government spends two-thirds of its research money on defense and devotes just 0.2% to commercial high tech, in contrast to 5% spent by Japan and 15% by Germany.