These four emphases were established as a result of extensive discussion within the STScI staff, including AURA, CSC, and ESA employees. Although they are a distillation of many hundreds of suggestions, established strengths, apparent weaknesses, and perceptions of future opportunities, these points provide the foundation of a coherent and promising vision for the future. In this section, we present the background, future goals, and specific strategies for each major goal of the plan.
Strategic planning is an iterative and ongoing process, and requires regular communication.
By continuing to involve the staff and AURA in the strategic planning process and the subsequent tactical planning, we will foster personal commitment to the actions which must follow. We do not see the future Institute as departing from that envisioned by the Hornig Committee, but rather as a broader Science Institute serving the U.S. and international astronomical communities in the spirit of the Hornig report. We now present the background for each goal of the Plan.