The Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable was created to provide a forum where scientists, engineers, administrators, and policy makers from government, universities, and industry can come together on an ongoing basis to explore ways to improve the productivity of the nation's research enterprise. Roundtable Working Group One, which deals with issues relating to the development, identification, recruitment, and retention of science and engineering talent, has been examining the broad outlook for science and engineering talent. Three themes dominated the group's deliberations: the status of the science and engineering talent pool, factors affecting decisions of students to pursue science and engineering careers, and the effectiveness of special programs to nurture science and engineering talent. This paper was drafted as a vehicle for discussions with organizations and individuals that can have a direct role in the policies and operation of the educational system. Through such discussion, the Working Group hopes to stimulate actions that will enhance the quality and quantity of students electing to pursue science and engineering careers. The specific actions will vary by target audience and by sponsoring group. The Working Group hopes that the sections of this paper on Career Choice and on Interventions will provide a starting point for the design of appropriate strategies for action. (CW)