In the knowledge-based economy, science and technology and their applications in industry and communications are major sources of economic growth and well-being. Ways of making productive use of human knowledge are changing, and the period ahead will be dynamic but unpredictable. The Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry addresses analytical and policy issues in these areas.

STI's task requires understanding what is happening in laboratories, on shop floors and in markets. It is attentive to coming changes and seeks to prepare for the future by providing data, quantitative indicators and analytical studies as a basis for examining the effectiveness of national policies.

STI is a forum for examining national policies to make them more effective, and a forum for improving convergence or compatibility of national policies where appropriate. It works with Members to obtain internationally comparable data and provides them with information on the scientific, technological and industrial environment and its relation to general economic goals (growth, employment).

STI seeks suitable areas for, and helps to set up, co-operation in science, technology and industry. It identifies areas where it would be useful to develop OECD-wide standards or rules of the game in order to avoid international friction, and helps in formulating them.