ABSTRACT
The current fever of introspection concerning the nation's industrial/technological competitiveness is reminiscent of an earlier time. In 1957, the Soviets surprised the world by launching Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, and American complacency in its scientific and technological superiority was shattered. The Science Advisor served as Director of the Office of Science and Technology created by Reorganization Plan early in the Kennedy Administration. He also chaired the President's Science Advisory Committee which met monthly to consider a wide range of science and technology related issues, drawing on the expertise of some 200 scientists and engineers outside of government. Developments since that time serve to underscore the need for a strong, independent source of S&T advice to the President. Such developments reveal how much American security, economic performance, and world leadership depend on the quality of scientific and technical judgments at the highest level of government.
