January 15, 2008
MEMORANDUM FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD
TO: The President and Congress of the United States
SUBJECT: Science and Engineering Indicators 2008
It is our honor to transmit the eighteenth in the series of biennial science indicators reports, Science and Engineering Indicators 2008. The National Science Board submits this report as required by 42 U.S.C. § 1863 (j) (l).
The Science Indicators series was designed to provide a broad base of quantitative information about U.S. science, engineering, and technology for use by public and private policymakers. With each new edition, the Board seeks to continually expand the data sources and pertinence to the broad user community. Science and Engineering Indicators 2008 contains analyses of key aspects of the scope, quality, and vitality of the Nations's science and engineering enterprise and global science and technology.
The report presents information on science, mathematics, and engineering education at all levels; the scientific and engineering workforce; U.S. and international research and development performance and competitiveness in high technology; and public attitudes and understanding of science and engineering. A chapter on state-level science and engineering presents state comparisons on selected indicators. An Overview chapter of this report distills selected key themes emerging from the eight chapters of Volume I of the two-volume publication.
The Board hopes that both the Administration and Congress find the new quantitative information and analysis in the report useful and timely for informed thinking and planning on national priorities, policies, and programs in science and technology.
Steven C. Beering
Chairman
National Science Board
4201 Wilson Boulevard • Arlington, Virginia 22230 • (703) 292-7000 • http://www.nsf.gov/nsb • email: NSBoffice@nsf.gov
