The Brookings Institution is the latest organization to weigh in with proposals to increase America’s global economic competitiveness by improving research and the training of scientists and engineers. The Washington think tank today posted on its Web site white papers by university scholars on that theme.

One paper calls for increasing the number and value of graduate research fellowships awarded by the National Science Foundation. Another calls for expanding the use of cash prizes to encourage the pursuit of specific scientific discoveries. A third proposes modifying the country’s patent system. A fourth argues that the country should expand spending on scientific research to increase economic growth.

Members of Congress this year proposed a spate of bills to carry out some of the ideas in these papers, which echo previous proposals. But, so far, none has passed, and the Republican leaders of the current Congress are expected to adjourn for the year this week without voting on them. Democratic lawmakers, who will take control in the new session of Congress in January, have expressed interest in the issue, but are also expected to be juggling a busy agenda.