Harnessing Science and Technology for America's Economic Future

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 ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction2 Science, Technology, and Economic Growth3 The Private-Sector Environment for Innovation4 Government Roles and Priorities5 The University Role in Research6 Education and Human Capital7 Conclusions and RecommendationsBibliographyKeynote Address by Jeff BingamanKeynote Address by George BrownTechnological Advance and Economic GrowthSustaining American Innovation: Where Will Technology Come From?The Global Environment of U.S. Science and Technology PoliciesThe U.S. Environment for Venture Capital and Technology-BasedStart-Ups by Charles GeschkeThe U.S. Environment for Venture Capital and Technology-BasedStart-Ups by John ShochThe Education ChallengeMeeting the Education ChallengeThe Northeast Ohio ExperienceAppendix A: Forum AgendaAppendix B: Forum RosterAppendix C: Steering Committee Member Biographical Sketches