The relationship between high technology firms and educational institutions in the Boston metropolitan area was studied. Attention was focused on the responsiveness of public schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities to the demands of the industry for technically trained personnel. The influence of companies on educational policies and the development of links between the two institutions were also explored. Information was gathered from: personal interviews with 130 officials from education, industry, and government; a survey of 158 secondary mathematics and science teachers at high schools on Route 128; reanalysis of a national survey of American high school seniors in 1980 commissioned by the National Center for Education Statistics; and review of documents and reports. It was found that there is considerable interest on the part of students and school administrators at all levels of education in courses and programs of study that would lead to technical careers. However, the capacity of educational institutions to respond to student interest is limited by budgetary considerations. A shortage of staff and equipment exists in all programs. Industry support for the schools is concentrated mainly on baccalaureate and postgraduate degree programs. There are a few cases of mutually satisfying cooperation programs between the companies and other sectors of education; but, for the most part, school-industry ties are fragmentary, weak, and of short duration. It is concluded that despite new interest in industrial-education partnerships, it is highly unlikely that corporations will be able to provide schools with the resources traditionally supplied by government funds. A bibliography is appended. (Author/SW)