The sympoisum was held to describe the roots and future plans of the Engineering Research Center's (ERC's) concept and program. The first section of this symposium compilation describes the national goals that the ERCs represent. The second section presents the point of view of the National Science Foundation on the ERCs--the concept behind them, their goals, selection criteria, and mechanisms for support. The next section provides the plans and programs of the six existing centers: (1) Systems Research Center; (2) Center for Intelligent Manufacturing Systems; (3) Center for Robotic Systems in Microelectronics; (4) Center for Composites Manufacturing Science and Engineering; (5) Engineering Center for Telecommunications; and (6) Biotechnology Process Engineering Center. Two of the presentations were on exchange methods among the centers and the relationship between engineering education and research. The last section details a look at the future of U.S. industry and engineering. Papers outline the roles that centers can play in aiding and stimulating mature industries, growth industries, and emerging industries. (Author/YP)