This book is largely based on a 1998 forum where participants from across America discussed ways to improve the utilization of science and technology for economic growth over the next several decades. A steering committee of prominent Americans, co-chaired by SEMATECH Chairman William Spencer and former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, developed consensus recommendations from the forum input.


Harnessing Science and Technology for America's Economic Future puts forward long-term goals for the nation and associated action items. It includes background papers and talks from the forum, covers the economics of science and technology-based growth, industry trends, the role of government, education, research universities, and the international context.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Science, Technology, and Economic Growth
3 The Private-Sector Environment for Innovation
4 Government Roles and Priorities
5 The University Role in Research
6 Education and Human Capital
7 Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography
Keynote Address by Jeff Bingaman
Keynote Address by George Brown
Technological Advance and Economic Growth
Sustaining American Innovation: Where Will Technology Come From?
The Global Environment of U.S. Science and Technology Policies
The U.S. Environment for Venture Capital and Technology-Based Start-Ups by Charles Geschke
The U.S. Environment for Venture Capital and Technology-Based Start-Ups by John Shoch
The Education Challenge
Meeting the Education Challenge
The Northeast Ohio Experience
Appendix A: Forum Agenda
Appendix B: Forum Roster
Appendix C: Steering Committee Member Biographical Sketches