The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is the U.S. Government's crosscutting program that coordinates Federal research and development (R&D) activities in nanoscale science, engineering, technology, and related efforts among various participating agencies. The Federal Government launched the NNI in FY 2001 with an initial $500 million…

Discusses the enhancement of economic leadership by improving workers' skills, supporting research and development and encouraging investment that applies to technological innovations. Suggests a relationship between national rates of capital investment and increases in productivity and economic growth. (RT)

Discusses the transformation of service industries since World War II into the number one element in the economy, emphasizing the role that technology has played. Addresses the need for service industries to become even more technology-intensive, in an effort to stabilize employment and make manufacturing in the United States more competitive. (TW)

Reports on aspects of technological change essential to economic progress in the United States. States that workers need to be more adaptable, research needs to be more focused, and managers need to be more open-minded. (RT)

Discusses the increasing importance of cooperative or joint R&D, including R&D Consortia, for private sector companies. Cites successful government-sponsored cooperative efforts which have made a difference in how private industry viewed technology and R&D. (RT)