providing funding for research conducted abroad, while foreign companies are increasingly establishing laboratories in the United States. Thus, it is not surprising that U.S. industry is interested in many issues of priority concern to the Department and also in issues that, while not currently on the Department's agenda, will have significant impacts on international operations in future years.

The economic dimensions of STH developments are manifold. Many near-term consequences of STH-related foreign policy decisions are clearly recognized by U.S. industry, as indicated in Box 2-1. Also, in the longer term, for example, trade relationships can be stimulated through foreign assistance programs. International geological programs can clarify the resource potential of remote regions. Cooperation in developing better telecommunications systems can improve business opportunities throughout the world.

As the role of the private-sector continues to expand overseas, the Department needs greater outreach capabilities to learn from the insights of others, to take advantage of international contacts and international programs that have been developed by others, and to involve the ever-expanding group of stakeholders in international STH activities in formulating and implementing the foreign policy of the nation. Its effectiveness in meeting these challenges is strongly linked to the level of STH competence throughout the Department.