"Despite uncertainties in Europe and concerns over the U.S. fiscal cliff creating a difficult business environment, we did our best this quarter to achieve strong earnings based on a strategic focus on differentiated and high value-added products as well as our technological competitiveness, " said Robert Yi, Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations.

ENGADGET: Samsung reports $8.27 billion in profits for Q4 2012 HD

But they are critical to American competitiveness, technological innovation, and global trade because they facilitate manufacturing, speed delivery, and enable the widespread use of countless products and services in the market today.

WHITEHOUSE: Office of Science and Technology Policy Blog

In an economy characterized by the convergence of globalized commerce, widely available information and rapid technological progress, innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial factors in sustaining and growing U.S. competitiveness in the world.

FORBES: Innovate, Grow, Succeed: Staying Competitive in Today's Economy