WASHINGTON. Aug 7: President Clinton has called for investment in scientific research and education to be a national priority in the first formal presidential statement on science policy In 15 years, reports USIS.

The 31 -page science polity report, released by Vice Pre sidenl Gore at a White House ceremony August 3. calls for refocusing post-Cold War scientific research on a broadened set of national goals that include improving science education and public understanding of science

The long-term goals listed in the report. "Science in the National Interest." include maintaining leadership across the frontiers of scientific knowledge; raising the scientific and technology literacy of all Americans, producing the finest scientists and engineers for the 21st century: and sUm ulating government, industry and academic partnerships that promote Investment in fundamental science and engineering.

The natidhal gpals outlined in this document ... stress the Importance of scientific re search and science education to America s future." Gore said.

"Science research.... is research we must continue, for on It depends our health, prosperity and security."

Our global lead in science and technology has significant]? diminished, at the same time that we've become more dependent upon it for our livelihood, our health and our environment." said John Gibbons, the president's scie-' nee adviser "Recognizing this situation. President Clinton... asked that the rationale and the outlook for science be examined and updated '

Along with the statement' on science policy. Clinton has . announced the membership of a private seetkr committee to advise him on major science and technology, issues, and to help guide federal investments in science toward the national goals

Gore said the new 18-member Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. composed of top-level representatives from industry, education and research 1ns-titutiona. will serve "as a channel for private-sector advice" to the National Science and Technology Council, a cabinet-level body chaired by the president.

To achieve our goals, we must strengthen partnerships with industry, with state and local governments, and with schools, colleges and universities across the country." Clinton said in a statement released by the White House. "My goal for this committee is to help encourage those partnerships."

The statement calls for an increase in the total national Investment in research and development, both public and private, to three per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Total R&D funding currently stands at 2.6 per cent of GDP.

The report points out that total US support of non-de-fence R&D is currently about 19 per cent of GDP. belcw that of both Germany and Japan.

The report presents a new view that fundamental science research and technological advances are Interdependent elements that underpin the nation’s economy

Technology is the engine of economic growth, creating Jobs, building new industries and Improving our standard of living.".Gore said. "Science fu-els technology's engine."