Increasing complexity of processes, products and problems demands a diversity of talent and perspectives. Partnerships and their members need to innovate and need to recreate themselves in light of changing circumstances. We must encourage flexibility, creativity and agility. Partnerships will be innovation-driven. Information technology has changed our lives and our institutions.
Innovation is the driver for economic change.
What has driven this cycle of amazingly fast innovation is new knowledge. Two-thirds of new patents emanated from research supported by public funding and this dependence is increasing dramatically. We need now to thoroughly understand and build a strategic foundation based on what we have learned about the connection between new knowledge and economic growth. NSF's vision is to enable the nation's future through discovery, learning and innovation. NSF action must foster interdisciplinarity among departments and educational institutions and between academe, industry and government for maximum impact.