The NSTC finds that the partnership is sound,
that it continues to serve the nation in important ways, and provides a sound basis for
the transition of the partnership into the twenty-first century. The partnership
contributes to America's economic prosperity, enhances national security, and
provides the means to improve the quality of life for our citizens. The integration of
research with education, effective teaching and mentoring, and awards based on merit
provide the underpinnings of the system. Federally supported university-based research
is a critically important investment by the nation in its future prosperity and wellbeing.
Federal investments in university-based research are an integral component of the larger
research and development enterprise that has enabled approximately half of the nation's
productivity and growth in the last 50 years. In 1997, the Federal government provided
$14.2 billion for academic research. These funds comprise more than 60% of support from
all sources for university research, and account for more than half of Federal investments
in basic research, and more than one-third of its investment in total research (basic and
applied). Those fractions are more than are received by any other type of research
performer. They reveal the extent of the nation's reliance on universities as the
prime repository of core competency in basic research and underscore the importance placed
by Federal agencies on coupling research and education in preparing the next generation of
scientists and engineers. Federal agencies foster science and technology partnerships with
universities in numerous other ways, such as providing university-based researchers access
to unique, state-of-the art research facilities. These facilities provide essential
research tools for a wide range of disciplines and foster collaborative research
relationships between researchers in Federal laboratories, industrial partners, and
university students and faculty.
The NSTC found great encouragement in the ongoing and dynamic partnership between
government and universities. But while the NSTC concluded that the partnership remains
productive, maintaining its vitality requires continued vigilance. The review identified
a number of ways in which the partnership might be made more effective and is
taking action in three areas outlined chapters 3-5. Chapter 6 addresses the need for ongoing review of the
partnership. First, the NSTC concludes that mutual understanding and effectiveness would
be enhanced by a clear articulation of the principles of the partnership. The NSTC will develop such a
statement of principles in consultation with universities, and as a first step, is issuing a proposed set of
principles, reproduced in chapter 3. To be effective, this process must be conducted in partnership with
stakeholders, including the Congress. Second, the NSTC reaffirms the importance to the
nation, to the research enterprise, and to the future scientific and engineering workforce, of linking education
and research, and urges universities to do likewise. The vital and dual roles of students (undergraduates as
well as graduates), as both researchers who contribute to the national research enterprise, and as students
who gain research experience as part of their training, must be recognized and reflected in government and
university policies and practices alike. Specific actions that the NSTC will take in support of this policy are
outlined in chapter 4. Third, the NSTC, through the agencies that fund university-based
research, will implement a set of actions that will help make the partnership more effective and efficient in
areas identified by the review and discussed in chapter 5 of the report. Universities are likewise urged to
examine their policies and practices for ways to improve the partnership. Finally, the NSTC will establish a
mechanism to follow-up on issues that were identified by the review but which were not examined in detail
and to provide for ongoing review of the partnership.
|
