We also have multi-disciplinary core competencies that, in total, cover an unusually large range of science and technology. And we have an excellent core competency in the education and training of future scientists and engineers, with undergraduates, graduate students, and post- docs being an important part of our workforce. Our people, infrastructure, and these core capabilities are the foundation on which we will maintain and strengthen the Argonne of the 21st Century. And from which we must address several key challenges. They are really essential.
Countries today compete to attract and retain industry, jobs, and plants.
In our country, that's happening right now with electric utilities Increasingly, we see corporations becoming focused on their core businesses, with an emphasis on near-term results. In many industries, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and outsourcing are growing. Most industries are under intense competitive pressures. Such research priorities tend to stress maximum return on development, often leveraging suppliers and partners. For Argonne, this is both an opportunity and a challenge.