America's research universities will play a vital role in the nation's economic future, and they must continue to lead research that also drives the marketplace, said Susan Hockfield, president of Massachusetts Institute of (MIT) at the 2007 Forum.

Hockfield spoke to school administrators, faculty and university officials at one of the Forum’s plenary sessions. She pointed to three keys that can help the United States maintain its preeminence in innovation through solid knowledge of mathematics and science.

She acknowledged concerns about declining cultural interest and public investment in the fields of math and science. "There is a declining national resolve and passion for leadership in innovation," she said.

In the years after World War II, innovations developed through America's top universities led to advances in medicine, space technology and businesses of all types. To develop the next generation of innovators, the nation needs renewed resolve toward the mission of research and education, she said.

First, vast improvement in K-12 math and science literacy is needed to prepare students for college and career success. Second, the nation must make a greater public investment in research. Third, universities must be open and able to attract talented people from across the country and world.

Women and minorities have benefited from the hard work of an earlier generation to gain access to the best in higher education. "Our challenge is to ensure opportunities for the next generation," she said, particularly immigrants and international scholars.

Hockfield also highlighted the open course program at MIT, which has made materials for hundreds of its courses available online at no cost. This information has been utilized by thousands of people, she said, including a large number of independent learners as well as with high school teachers and students.

"We will figure out a way to invent ourselves into another era of strength," she said.