Published Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2001, in the San Jose Mercury News
A Compass for Technology
New Science Center at SCU will provide a network for challenging assumptions
By James C. Morgan
AT NO time in history have more people had a greater opportunity to impact life on the planet than we have now.
In a world where we pack more computing power into today's toy than in yesterday's supercomputer, individuals can challenge institutions and launch whole new social movements using the Internet. We can predict the traits and diseases of a child from its earliest moments. And, the opportunities to connect, communicate and collaborate have never been greater.
Technology reaches deep into our lives and brings with it tremendous potential. Technological change also brings important choices. How do we use our computing power to benefit the environment? How do we translate the genetic code into humane treatments that improve lives? How do we ensure that information technology, like the Internet, continues to be an equalizer that overcomes the barriers of distance, fear and prejudice that divide people?
We may never have the perfect answers for these questions, but we do have a new way of addressing them: The Center for Science, Technology and Society at Santa Clara University, which publicly launches today with support from a wide range of education, industry and community leaders.
The Center, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, draws on academic and industry experts to foster a global network that promotes dialogue and studies the influence of new technologies on the family and culture, the workplace and organizations, and the law and public policy. It sponsors research projects, public policy forums, visiting scholars, and university courses for students.
But more importantly, the Center seeks to engage those of us in Silicon Valley who have made technological change a part of our lives in a conversation about the promise and opportunity, as well as the responsibility, that our technology
delivers.
In the process, it engages people from throughout our community and all around the world to be part of the debate on a range of findings, predictions, and solutions for the challenges of our times. Microbiologists interact with electrical engineers who interact with historians, chemists and others. The goal is simple: to reflect on and challenge the impact that our technology has on our lives, our society and our world so that the most people benefit from the strongest promise and greatest dreams that innovation has to offer.
Santa Clara University has a strong tradition of tackling difficult questions and cultivating community-minded students. It is a unique nexus of technology, business, law, and social and cultural awareness, making it a logical home for the Center. These factors, and more, led Applied Materials to join as the founding partner of the Center and support its early development.
The work of the Center is important to Applied Materials since our technology is key to the infrastructure of the Information Age, which we believe is just beginning. Our systems are used to make every semiconductor chip, every day, everywhere in the world. As we work to enable more powerful, portable and affordable chips, we put Information Age technology into the reach of more individuals around the world. Our vision for the 21st Century is one of Information for Everyone -- a world in which information products and services will empower every individual, overcoming geographical and educational barriers, transforming health care systems and helping to grow economies in every region of the world. We understand that our technology impacts lives, and we want to make sure that as many people as possible share in the benefits.
There is no better place to challenge assumptions and rethink old truths than here in Silicon Valley, where so many new ideas have changed the world. And there is no better time. For decades we have anticipated the promise and opportunity our innovations would bring in the new millennium, and we dreamed about a better day when age-old problems could be replaced by a new approach.
That time has come.
Silicon Valley innovators have a compelling resource at hand to help them be thoughtful stewards of the technologies they innovate. In Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology and Society, we can develop a compass for a changing world -- a compass that can guide true only if we all share in its development and support. All across Silicon Valley, individuals and companies are getting involved with the Center for Science, Technology and Society. I hope you join us. For more information, visit the Center's Web site at www.scu.edu/sts.
James C. Morgan is chairman and CEO of Applied Materials Inc. and serves the Advisory Board of Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology and Society.
