In the modern era of technological and economic competitiveness, people—and more specifically, their knowledge, skills, education, motivations, and wellbeing—are arguably the most important national resource. Strategic, long-term investments in human capital are critical to a healthy U.S. economy and a dynamic research enterprise—both to inform the development of industries of the future, and to prepare the nation to respond to global challenges. Building and harnessing new levels of human capital to increase U.S. innovation capacity and competitiveness will require a greater degree of commitment to cross-sector coordination and collaboration across the research enterprise.