Since the eruption of the recent global financial crisis, major countries have been pushing forward structural reforms with science and technology (S&T) innovation at the heart. Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has adopted an "America First" strategy but has yet to specify a clear S&T innovation policy. However, Trump's current policies have already affected S&T innovation and his planned budget cuts will impact US growth potentials. Compared with the US, China is steadily implementing its innovation-driven development strategy with significant improvement in S& T innovation that increasingly supports economic growth. To spur future economic growth, China should steadfastly follow its S&T innovation strategy, promote the utilization of S&T innovation results, boost its economic growth potentials and make the most of global innovation resources.