THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
April 27, 1999
MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Renewing the Federal Government-University Research Partnership for the 21st Century
Federal investments in university research are critically important to the Nation, helping foster the discovery of knowledge, stimulating technological innovation, improving the quality of life, and contributing to America's economic prosperity. Universities also have the unique role of educating and training the next generation of scientists and engineers. Indeed, the integration of research and education is the hallmark of the American university system, which many nations now seek to emulate. Beginning with the visionary establishment of the land grant universities by President Lincoln in 1862 and continuing with President Truman's effort to redouble our Nation's commitment to university-sponsored research and education by the establishment of the National Science Foundation, the partnership that has evolved between the Federal Government and our Nation's system of research universities has served us well by any measure of success.
However, with the end of the Cold War and the globalization of the world's economy, it became apparent that the future success of the partnership cannot be taken for granted. That is why I directed the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to assess the current state of the partnership and recommend ways to strengthen it. The resulting report on Renewing the Federal Government-University Research Partnership for the 21st Century finds that the partnership is fundamentally sound, but that it can still be improved. Therefore, I direct as follows:
These actions should be completed within 12 months of the date of this memorandum. The findings and recommendations contained in the NSTC report Renewing the Federal Government-University Research Partnership for the 21st Century should provide the basis for proceeding.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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