The Chemistry Enterprise in 2015:

Do We Have a Future, or What?

William F. Carroll, Jr. Ph.D.

ACS Immediate Past President

The Chemistry Enterprise—for industry, education and government--in the US is changing. For industry, energy and raw material supply is becoming a key factor for the commodity manufacturers. Chemical markets in developing countries are growing; specialties are becoming commoditized with expanding capacity. Global companies serve global markets; services are available globally even to small companies. In education, there are questions about the global mobility of students for both undergraduate and graduate education. The ability to hire and retain professors is changing, as is the approach to tenure and full-time positions. Governments are reconsidering taxation and other incentives to maintain and attract chemical businesses. Intellectual property protection is spotty.

Looking forward to the next ten years, the chemistry enterprise the world over is poised for rebalancing. This presentation provides a short summary of issues impacting the US and its position in global chemistry, and a review of our program wherein American Chemical Society committees, divisions, leaders and members have built a vision for the next ten years. There’ll be plenty of opportunity for prediction and dialogue.