Summary

My focus has been on the new global environment; the changes brought about by computers and computer science; international competition, its promise and its danger; and the role of government. But more important is a sustained commitment to cooperation and to a technical work force—these are the major determinants of success in developing a vibrant economy.

In the postwar years, we built up our basic science and engineering research structure and achieved a commanding lead in basic research and most strategic technologies. But now the focus must shift to holding on to what we accomplished and to building a new national technology structure that will allow us to achieve and maintain a commanding lead in the technologies that determine economic success in the world marketplace.

During World War II, the freedom of the world was at stake. During the Cold War, our free society was at stake. Today it is our standard of living and our leadership of the world as an economic power that are at stake.

Let me leave you with one thought: computers have become a symbol of our age. They are also a symbol and a barometer of the country's creativity and productivity in the effort to maintain our competitive position in the world arena. As other countries succeed in this area or overtake us, computers can become a symbol of our vulnerability.