STEM Education Concerns:
Jane Harman’s concern about the brain drain and its impact on the aerospace and tech industries in Southern California. Worry about the impact on local schools if kids lacked the qualifications to get into prestigious universities like UCLA and USC.

Introduction to Dean Kamen and FIRST:
Harman’s initial encounter with Dean Kamen, known as the “Rocket Man,” and his FIRST program. Kamen’s dedication to inspiring young people in STEM fields, with over 1.25 million “non-biological kids” involved in his programs.

Success Story: Philip Chertoff:
Philip Chertoff, son of Michael Chertoff (former Secretary of Homeland Security), participated in Kamen’s program in Washington, D.C. while his father held the position. Harman’s friendship with Michael Chertoff and her admiration for the FIRST program based on Philip’s positive experience. Philip’s success in the program, leading to his graduation from the University of Chicago and a productive career.

FIRST Alumni Statistics:
Over 75% of FIRST alumni pursue STEM careers. 41% of FIRST alumni major in engineering.

Harman’s Connection to Smith College:
Harman’s alma mater, Smith College, was the first women’s college to have an engineering school. Harman’s hope that some of the women involved in FIRST’s early programs went on to attend Smith College.

Kamen’s Other Innovations:
Mention of Kamen’s other innovations, including the Segway and his collaboration with the Wilson Center and Kent Hughes.

Introduction:
Dean Kamen’s presentation at the Wilson Center focused on his involvement with the Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP), the launch of a new policy brief on artificial intelligence, and his work with FIRST and regenerative medicine.

STIP and the Policy Brief on AI:
The Wilson Center’s STIP program translates complex advances in STEM fields for lay audiences, including policymakers. Kamen and Jane Harman discussed the launch of the first policy brief in a series about artificial intelligence, titled “How China is Preparing for an AI-Powered Future.”

FIRST and the New Global Incremental Program:
Kamen highlighted the importance of the Wilson Center as a place that thinks about global issues. He discussed FIRST, a global robotics competition for students, and the addition of a new global incremental program. The inaugural event for the new program will take place in July at the Wilson Center.

Presentation at Mitt Romney’s E2:
Kamen was invited by Mitt Romney to speak at his E2 event, where he talked about his background, FIRST, regenerative medicine, and his new vision. The new version of FIRST is modeled after the International Olympics, which Kamen helped save structurally.

Background and Work in Medical Technology:
Kamen briefly mentioned his early work in medical technology, such as making insulin pumps.

Medical Innovations:
Dean Kamen began his engineering journey in his parents’ basement, creating medical devices for his brother, a pediatric oncologist. His early work focused on insulin delivery systems for pregnant women and chemotherapy for cancer patients, leading to the establishment of a successful engineering company. Kamen’s company specialized in medical systems, producing dialysis equipment and sophisticated robots for medical applications.

The Birth of the Segway:
Kamen’s medical research on balancing robots unexpectedly resulted in a fun consumer product – the Segway. The Segway was initially intended as a medical device to assist individuals with mobility challenges, but its potential as a recreational vehicle was quickly recognized.

Continued Medical Advancements:
Despite the popularity of the Segway, Kamen remained dedicated to medical innovations. His company developed stents for Johnson & Johnson and worked on a home dialysis device that promised to improve the lives of dialysis patients. Kamen encountered challenges in launching the home dialysis device in the U.S. due to unfavorable healthcare regulations.

Developing a Prosthetic Arm for the Department of Defense:
Kamen embarked on a project to create a prosthetic arm for the Department of Defense. The prosthetic arm was controlled through radios embedded in small devices placed on the user’s body, mimicking the brain’s extension cord. Within 10 hours of training, a veteran named Chuck, who had been unable to feed himself for 18 years, regained the ability to do so using the prosthetic arm.

FDA Approval and Further Developments:
The prosthetic arm received FDA approval, and 30 individuals, primarily veterans who had sacrificed their arms for their country, were fitted with the device. The success of the prosthetic arm led the Department of Defense to approach Kamen with a new challenge: growing organs and animals, such as human ears.

Dean Kamen’s Passion for Regenerative Medicine:
Dean Kamen expressed his enthusiasm for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their contributions to basic research, leading to advancements like Nobel laureates and white paper publications. However, he highlighted the gap between laboratory discoveries and industrial-scale applications, emphasizing the need for an organization to bridge this gap.

Addressing the Organ Shortage Crisis:
Kamen’s concern for the growing organ waiting list, with 25% of patients dying each year and the list increasing by the same percentage, motivated him to take action.

The Birth of Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI):
With a $300 million grant from the Department of Defense (DOD), Kamen established ARMI, a not-for-profit organization focused on advancing regenerative manufacturing. ARMI’s mission is to translate academic research into large-scale manufacturing, aiming to bring regenerative medicine to the 400,000 people waiting for organs.

ARMI’s Focus on Manufacturing Expertise:
Unlike traditional regenerative medicine organizations, ARMI employs 500 engineers instead of medical doctors, emphasizing the importance of manufacturing expertise in scaling up laboratory discoveries.

Revitalizing Manchester, New Hampshire:
Kamen’s decision to move ARMI to Manchester, New Hampshire, was driven by his desire to revitalize the city’s once-thriving industrial landscape. He transformed old mill buildings into a hub for high-tech companies, including Autodesk, Texas Instruments, United Therapeutics, and the University of New Hampshire.

Collaborations and Commitments:
ARMI has attracted major biotech and pharmaceutical companies, universities, and medical schools as partners, securing approximately $300 million in commitments.

3D Printing Breakthrough:
ARMI’s recent achievement is the development of a device that can print into a biologically inert liquid, potentially revolutionizing the manufacturing of biological tissues and organs.

Dean Kamen’s Vision for Revolutionizing Science Education:
Kamen believes America’s education system has a culture crisis, not an education crisis, and that we should celebrate science, engineering, and math to inspire the next generation.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology):
Kamen founded FIRST, a not-for-profit organization, to turn science, engineering, and math into a sport and make it entertaining, inspiring a generation of innovators.

FIRST’s Impact:
FIRST inspires kids to pursue careers in science and technology by providing them with a fun and challenging competition where they can design, build, and compete with robots.

Superhero Mentors:
Kamen enlisted tech companies like IBM, Boeing, and Lockheed to adopt high schools, particularly those with barbed wire fences, and inspire women and minorities to pursue STEM fields.

Presidential Support:
Since 1992, four presidents, both Republicans and Democrats, have welcomed FIRST winners to the White House, demonstrating bipartisan support for STEM education.

FIRST’s Growth:
FIRST grew rapidly, from 20 teams in year one to over a thousand teams competing in regional events each weekend in March.

March Madness:
FIRST’s regional events culminated in a championship event that moved from a high school gym to Disney’s Epcot, showcasing the excitement and energy of the competition.

Growth and Expansion:
FIRST Robotics Competition has grown significantly over the years, moving from high school gyms to large venues like the Georgia Dome, Astrodome, and various cities across the United States. In 2017, the competition reached 140 cities, involving 55,000 schools, 1.25 million students, and 3,700 corporate sponsors.

International Expansion:
For the first time in its 26-year history, FIRST is hosting a truly international Olympic-style event.

Presidential Support:
Over the years, various presidents have shown support for FIRST, including hosting the winners at the White House and recognizing their achievements.

Impact on Students:
A study funded by the Ford Foundation concluded that FIRST has a significant impact on students, being the most impactful program they have encountered. The competition encourages students to pursue STEM fields and provides opportunities for scholarships.

University Participation:
Universities are required to offer at least one full scholarship to participate in FIRST, resulting in $50 million in scholarships awarded at the championship in 2017.

Shimon Peres’s Call for a Global Educational Shift:
Shimon Peres, former President of Israel, approached Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), to establish a FIRST regional in Israel.

Peres’s Observations on Education in the Middle East:
Peres noted that traditional education systems often reinforce self-destructive behaviors and perpetuate conflict by teaching students their own biased versions of history.

The Role of FIRST in Breaking the Cycle of Conflict:
Peres suggested that by teaching children from different backgrounds the same truths, such as mathematics and the laws of physics, FIRST could break the cycle of conflict.

FIRST’s Global Expansion:
FIRST has grown internationally, with over 83 countries participating in its annual championship.

The Creation of FIRST Global:
Inspired by the success of FIRST, Kamen and Peres established FIRST Global, an international robotics competition aimed at promoting global cooperation and understanding.

Peres’s Role in FIRST Global:
Peres served as the honorary chair of FIRST Global, lending his support and prestige to the initiative.

Peres’s Letter on the Importance of FIRST Global:
Peres wrote a letter expressing his belief that FIRST Global would make the world a better place and that it was already having a positive impact in Israel.

A Quote on the Importance of Youth Education:
Kamen presented a quote from George Washington, emphasizing the critical role of youth education in shaping the fate of nations.

FIRST Global:
Dean Kamen expresses concerns about the insufficient education of children, highlighting the significance of promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Kamen introduces FIRST Global, an initiative to foster STEM education on a global scale, aiming to engage more countries and youth in STEM fields.

Mitt Romney’s Involvement:
Kamen shares an anecdote about his interaction with Mitt Romney, who agreed to assist in organizing international leaders for the establishment of FIRST Global. Romney’s experience with the Olympic model proves valuable in structuring FIRST Global’s international operations.

Collaboration with International Academies:
Kamen mentions a significant meeting involving the presidents of Stanford and MIT, representatives from the National Academies, and leaders from China, the UK, and the US. This meeting focuses on discussing the 14 grand challenges and addressing the critical need for more rational, scientific, and engineering-based individuals to solve global problems.

Global Robotics Challenge:
Kamen proposes an additional challenge to encourage global cooperation in creating an environment that inspires more children to pursue engineering, science, and problem-solving careers. Will.i.am joins Kamen in this endeavor, emphasizing the role of robotics as a gateway to the third industrial revolution.

FIRST Global Demonstration Program:
FIRST Global’s initial goal was to involve 30 countries in a demonstration program during a meeting of international academies in Washington, D.C. The initiative garners participation from 156 countries, exceeding expectations. Robot kits are designed, produced, and shipped free of charge to each participating country, including regions like Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Videos showcasing the participating countries’ enthusiasm and progress in building robots are posted online.

Invitation to Make FIRST Global Prestigious:
Dean Kamen invites individuals to help promote and expand FIRST Global, an international robotics competition that unites diverse teams from various countries. The event will be held on July 17th and 18th at Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C., and 156 countries are expected to participate, with 70 ambassadors already committed to attend.

The Challenge of Explaining FIRST Global:
Kamen acknowledges the difficulty in explaining the true essence of FIRST Global, as it goes beyond science fairs or robot competitions. He emphasizes that it’s about self-respect, communication, cooperation, and the future, rather than just robots.

The Powerful Message of a Seven-Year-Old Girl:
Kamen shares a video featuring a seven-year-old girl eloquently describing FIRST Global as more than just robots. The girl emphasizes the transformative impact of the competition, from fostering humility and hard work to shattering glass ceilings and promoting peace.

Cosmic Observations and Questions:
Jane Harman draws parallels between FIRST Global and the movie “Hidden Figures,” highlighting the contributions of women in STEM fields throughout history. She also mentions the bipartisan spirit of the recent congressional baseball game, suggesting that sports can unite people across political divides.

International Sportsmanship:
At a robotics championship in Houston, the final match was between an Israeli and a Jordanian team. Despite tensions between their countries, the kids from both teams hugged each other at the end of the match, demonstrating the power of sportsmanship to overcome political divisions. Shimon Peres, former President of Israel, recognized the potential of sports to promote peace.

Sports as a Metaphor for Diplomacy:
Sports can be a metaphor for diplomacy, as they involve competition, cooperation, and the pursuit of common goals. Sports can help build bridges between people from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering understanding and empathy.

Rationality and Technology:
Jane Harman raises the question of rationality in relation to technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing. Kamen acknowledges that technology is not inherently rational and that it requires human guidance and oversight to be used responsibly. Both rationality and technical proficiency are necessary for responsible decision-making, as technology can be used for both good and ill.

The Role of AI in Decision-Making:
AI-driven algorithms can optimize outcomes and provide better results compared to human decision-making, even in complex scenarios. AI algorithms are not influenced by biases or emotions, leading to rational and optimized decisions. AI should not be anthropomorphized; it produces results based on algorithms rather than human emotions or intentions.

AI’s Potential Impact on Employment:
AI will replace jobs involving repetitive, algorithmic tasks, leading to job displacement for many workers. New skill sets and jobs will emerge, requiring workers to adapt and upskill to remain relevant in the workforce. Education systems need to evolve to provide real-time training and prepare individuals for new job opportunities.

The Challenge of Adapting to AI-Driven Changes:
The displacement of jobs by AI is affecting higher-level positions, not just manual labor jobs, creating a unique challenge. The transition from jobs replaced by AI to new, more fulfilling roles requires significant effort and adaptation. Political and societal systems need to address the challenges faced by individuals displaced by AI, ensuring a smooth transition to new opportunities.

AI’s Potential to Improve Healthcare:
AI can revolutionize healthcare by improving diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medicine. AI-driven algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and provide insights that can lead to better patient outcomes. AI can assist healthcare professionals in making more informed decisions, leading to improved patient care.

Healthcare System Reform:
The current healthcare system is a “sick care system” that incentivizes treatment rather than prevention. We need to change the way we think about healthcare and focus on keeping people healthy. We need to change the incentives in the healthcare system to reward health and wellness.

Impact of Technology on Healthcare:
AI and regenerative medicine will have a major impact on healthcare, leading to improved quality of life and lower costs. We need to be prepared for the ethical and societal implications of these technologies. We need to find a balance between the desire for new medical advancements and the need for responsible and ethical use.

Role of AI in Healthcare:
AI will be increasingly used in healthcare, but the medical industry will likely lag behind other industries in adopting AI due to regulatory and industry powerhouses. The cloud will play a significant role in healthcare, but there are challenges related to reliability and safety.

Impact of Technology on Employment:
Technology can lead to job losses, but it can also create new jobs and opportunities. We need to focus on education and training to help workers adapt to the changing job market. We need to find ways to support workers who are displaced by technology.

Conclusion:
Dean Kamen believes that we need to embrace technology and innovation to solve the challenges facing society, including healthcare, education, and employment. We need to find ways to use technology to improve the lives of everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful. We need to work together to create a better future for all.

Technology’s Impact on Education:
Dean Kamen argues that the traditional model of education, focused on memorization and regurgitation of information, is outdated and fails to engage students. Students recognize that success in the modern world requires imagination, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to rapid technological changes.

Technology’s Rapid Pace:
Kamen emphasizes the unprecedented speed at which technology is advancing, creating challenges for both individuals and society. He uses the example of plastics, initially hailed as a great innovation but later recognized for their negative environmental impact.

Technological Progress and Its Consequences:
Kamen highlights the responsibility of each generation to address the unintended consequences of technological advancements. He stresses the need for continuous innovation and improvement, such as developing plastics that decompose into fertilizer or are ocean-safe.

Education’s Role in Adapting to Technological Changes:
Kamen emphasizes the critical role of education in preparing individuals to navigate the rapidly changing technological landscape. He calls for educational systems to focus on developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn and adapt continuously.

The Widening Digital Divide:
Kamen warns of a widening digital divide, where those who lack the skills and capabilities to keep up with technological advancements may be left behind. He emphasizes the importance of equipping individuals with the necessary skills and mindsets to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

The Future of Work and Education:
Kamen raises the possibility of a future where most people may not have traditional jobs due to automation and technological advancements. He suggests the need to reimagine how society can maintain peace and happiness in such a scenario. Alternatively, Kamen emphasizes the importance of educating more individuals to stay ahead of the technological curve and adapt to new opportunities.

Perverse Uses of Technology:
Jane Harman raises concerns about the negative aspects of technology, such as the use of social media for terrorist recruitment and advanced tools for hacking and cyberattacks. She highlights the need to address these dangers and mitigate the risks associated with technological advancements.

Technology’s Duality:
New technologies are amoral and can be used for both good and bad purposes. Examples from history: fire can warm or burn, hammers can build or injure. No technology is inherently good or bad; its impact depends on its use.

Policymakers’ Responsibility:
Policymakers often lack the technical expertise to understand the consequences of new technologies. Attempting to regulate technologies without proper understanding leads to ineffective and misguided policies. The result is often confusion and disagreement among policymakers and stakeholders.

Understanding Technology:
Policymakers should strive to understand the technical aspects of emerging technologies. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions and develop effective policies. Without technical understanding, policymakers risk creating policies that are irrelevant or even counterproductive.

Example of Stem Cells:
Stem cell technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine. However, policymakers often make decisions about stem cell research based on limited understanding. This can lead to restrictions that hinder scientific progress and limit potential benefits.

Stem Cell Research:
Dean Kamen emphasizes the need for policy makers to be well-informed about the details of the issues they are discussing, especially regarding embryonic stem cell research.

Policy and Technology:
Jane Harman highlights the gap between the analog nature of policy-making and the digital nature of the problems being addressed, particularly in the cyber realm.

Wilson Center’s Cyber Boot Camp:
The Wilson Center offers a cyber boot camp to train Hill staff on the internet’s workings, helping them understand both the positive and negative aspects of the digital landscape.

Technology’s Positive Potential:
Kamen emphasizes the importance of using technology for positive purposes and invites the State Department to attend an event showcasing the positive impact of technology on youth from 156 countries.

Encouraging Accessibility:
An intern at the Wilson Center raises concerns about accessibility to technology for women, students of color, and those without internet access at home.

Intercultural Understanding:
The intern also inquires about the emphasis on intercultural understanding and empathy through competition in the Global First program.

The Chairman’s Award:
It recognizes the team and school that showcases the best impact on their community. It’s not necessarily the team with the highest-scoring robot, but rather the one that reflects FIRST’s values. The winning teams often involve inviting the most women and going into underserved communities to promote STEM education.

FIRST Global:
Kamen seeks to create a multicultural global event where kids can learn from each other and compete together. The focus is on addressing global challenges like climate change, food and water scarcity, and cyber security. By working together, kids from different countries can raise the quality of life and standard of living on the planet.

Addressing Child Poverty and STEM Education:
Kamen acknowledges that child poverty is a significant factor in the US’s poor performance in international STEM assessments. He encourages corporate sponsors to adopt schools in underserved communities to provide equal opportunities for STEM education. Kamen believes that by investing in STEM education and addressing the needs of disadvantaged children, we can prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future.

FIRST’s Mission:
To inspire students from all backgrounds to pursue STEM education and careers. To provide opportunities for students to develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. To help students see the real-world applications of STEM.

Focus on Underserved Communities:
FIRST specifically targets schools where students are from low-income families and/or are struggling academically. The goal is to reach students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in STEM programs.

Success Stories:
FIRST has helped countless students from underserved communities go on to successful careers in STEM fields. These students often credit FIRST with sparking their interest in STEM and giving them the confidence to pursue a STEM career.

Global Expansion:
FIRST is now expanding its mission to reach students in every country on the planet. The goal is to create a global community of STEM innovators who can work together to solve the world’s biggest problems.

Challenges:
FIRST faces a number of challenges in its mission to expand globally. These challenges include funding, language barriers, and cultural differences.

Call to Action:
The speakers challenge the audience to support FIRST’s mission and to help spread the word about the importance of STEM education. They also urge the audience to focus on the fact that every American counts and that we need to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all students have access to a quality education.