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The following HTML text is provided to enhance online readability. Many aspects of typography translate only awkwardly to HTML. Please use the page image as the authoritative form to ensure accuracy. Introduction to the SymposiumWilliam J.Spencer SEMATECH Dr. Spencer welcomed participants by observing that the day’s symposium was originally conceived as an examination of the broad area of government-industry partnerships in the health sciences and technology as well as information sciences and technology. In an effort to narrow the symposium’s scope, the STEP Board held a workshop in the summer of 1999 at which it was decided to focus on biotechnology and computing. The two areas were chosen because of their rapid growth, their large contribution to job creation, and because approximately two-thirds of the nation’s research and development (R&D) budget of $225 billion is spent in these two sectors. The R&D investment in biotechnology and computing is growing more rapidly than R&D investment in the country as a whole. The role of the government, industry, and universities is different in the biotechnology and computing industries. There are, however, areas for potential interdependencies and areas for synergy. The deliberations of the symposium form the basis of the report herein by the STEP Board containing formal findings and recommendations. Echoing Dr. Jorgenson’s statements, Dr. Spencer encouraged the audience to offer questions and suggestions as the day progressed, as this input would aid the STEP Board in developing its recommendations. Dr. Spencer then introduced the day’s keynote speaker, Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY). As a senior Republican Member on the House Committee on Science, Rep. Boehlert is well positioned to comment on and pose ques-
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