Congress needs to invest in our intellectual infrastructure.

That was what U.S. Representative Ron Kind told the audience at the BioForward monthly meeting–a Forward Festival event–Tuesday at the MGE Innovation Center.

“Congress is falling behind,” Kind said. “(It’s about) knowing when to get out of the way and when to partner up (to spur innovation).”

As an example, Kind pointed out that the FDA approval process of medical devices could be streamlined without jeopardizing safety. He also stressed that health care reform was needed.

“We could unleash people’s entrepreneurial spirit” if health insurance wasn’t a factor in leaving a job, Kind said.