FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, AND ECONOMIC SURVIVAL

Since its reorganization early in 1985, the Engineering Directorate of the National Science Foundation has effected new ties between the foundation and the research community. The new directorate is supporting the engineering sciences and is creating opportunities in emerging areas where, although the potential for technological impact is great, the existing science base is weak or nonexistent. As a result, the scope of fundamental research in engineering is being considerably broadened. It is important that the research community understand the directorate's new structure and purpose. To this end, two concerns must be addressed. The first is international economic competitiveness, the driving force behind much of the NSF's research support programs. How can NSF-funded research respond to the need to improve the position of the United States in the global economy? The second concern is the need for innovation in engineering.