[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.