[Presidential Directives and Executive Orders]

April 27, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

                               THE WHITE HOUSE

                        Office of the Press Secretary
  _________________________________________________________
  For Immediate Release                      April 27, 1999


                           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
  hall-mark 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 Foun-dation, 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:

  1.  The NSTC, in consultation with research universities and other
  stakeholders in the Federal science and technology enterprise, shall
  develop a statement of principles that clearly articulates the roles,
  responsibilities, and expectations of each of the partners and
  establishes a framework for addressing future issues as they arise.
  Ultimately, this statement of principles will serve to shape future
  discussions and guide policy development and decision making.

  2.  The NSTC shall develop recommendations to better support the
  integration of research and education in Government policies and
  practice.  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.

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  3.  The NSTC shall propose specific actions by member agencies to make
  the partnership more effective and efficient.  These actions should be
  aimed at fostering a productive policy, regulatory, and administrative
  environment and promoting cost and administrative efficiencies while
  maintaining accountability for public funds.

  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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