    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 17 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
    [Page 753]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Memorandum on Renewing the Federal Government-University Research
    Partnership for the 21st Century

    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:
        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.
        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

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this memorandum.