DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 1997-2002

September 1997

It is my pleasure to provide this copy of the Department of Commerce Strategic Plan for FY 1997 to FY 2002, as required by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993. The Plan presents the strategic framework under which Commerce carries out its three major themes: Economic lnfrastructure; Science, Technology, and Information; and Resource and Asset Management and Stewardship.

The Department of Commerce proudly touches the lives of Americans every day by its central role in working with American businesses, communities and families. Theme 1 addresses the Nation's "economic infrastructure", through Commerce plays a key role in efforts to create jobs in the farms, factories, businesses, and universities that make up our economy. Job creation in the domestic and international trade sectors is especially valuable because they strengthen our competitiveness in the global marketplace. Other Commerce initiatives focus on community development, business assistance and economic growth for minority business, science and technology, information infrastructure, and the providing of environmental predictions which are essential for protecting life and property in case of natural disasters.

The science/technology/information issues covered in Theme 2 have grown in importance as science and technology have become increasingly pervasive in our society. Under Theme 2, we set national policy and examine issues of technological development and innovation, promote the application of cutting-edge science and technology by American businesses, implement programs that support basic research and development partnerships between government and industry, and disseminate economic data and environmental information.

Theme 3 encompasses our responsibilities for the management of resources and assets. The national resources and assets managed by the Department of Commerce include intellectual property rights, the radio frequency spectrum, and ocean and coastal resources. Commerce has both direct management responsibilities for specific national resources, and stewardship responsibilities to ensure the optimal use of national assets. We also are concerned with conversion of closed military bases to best serve the local communities. Commerce plays a major role in helping American communities attain their goals for sustainable development.

Under President Clinton's leadership, the Nation is moving toward historic growth in economic and technological fields in which the U.S. Department of Commerce play a vital role. The President has stated that, "in my Administration, the Department of Commerce will play a more visible and powerful role in rebuilding the American economy." Commerce has met the challenge of working in an environment of budgetary constraints and uncertainties to fulfill its mission of enhancing economic opportunity for all Americans.

William Daley

Secretary of Commerce