Since the discovery of recombinant DNA in the early 1970s, biotechnology has become an essential tool for many industries. The potential of biotechnology to improve the Nation's health, food supply, and the quality of the environment leads logically to questions of whether current levels of investment in research and development, human resources, and policy formulation are adequate to meet these expectations. This executive summary discusses policy issues regarding biotechnology including training and employment; business-education collaboration; development opportunities; barriers to development; and areas for application such as plant agriculture, human therapeutics, and hazardous waste disposal. Ten policy issues for congressional action are highlighted. Appendices list biotechnology companies, corporate investors, and educational programs. (CW)