The eight working papers presented in this compendium were prepared for the National Science Foundation (NSF) as one means to assist the Office of Science and Technology Policy with preparation of the Administration's Annual Science and Technology Report to the Congress, 1981. They focus on specific aspects of three central themes directly related to President Reagan's goal of revitalizing the nation's economy. The themes are: (1) shared responsibility of the public and private sectors for maintaining the strength of U.S. science and technology base; (2) contributions of science and technology to industrial innovation, productivity, and economic growth; and (3) changing international context of U.S. science and technology. The papers do not provide a detailed analysis of all relevant policy issues nor do they attempt to weigh advantages and disadvantages of possible policy options. Rather, each is intended to identify significant current or future national issues in science and technology. Areas addressed, each preceded by an abstract include: space commercialization; genetic engineering; industrial robotics; industrial research, development, and innovation; obsolescence of scientific instrumentation in research universities; adequacy of U.S. engineering education; advancing U.S. national interests through international cooperation in science and technology. Notes on preparation of the compendium are provided in an appendix. (Author/JN)