As experts seek explanations for America's record breaking performance in the current world economy, it is tempting to credit our bountiful natural resources and our diverse, hardworking population. But many other countries - and even our own ancestors - have enjoyed similar resources without producing an economic boom such as the United States achieved in the late 20th century. The credit for our recent success really goes to the powerful system we have generated to create new knowledge and develop it into technologies that drive our economy, guarantee our national security, and improve our...