Public and private initiatives designed to enhance U.S. competitiveness were suggested to the President of the United States by the Business-Higher Education Forum, based on a 1-year research and study effort. The Forum's findings include: the U.S. economy is lagging behind its own past performance and the gains of other nations; economic vitality depends upon improving the United States's international competitive position; and the consequences of declining competitiveness include unemployment, fewer public services, restricted opportunities, and reactive public policies. Factors contributing to these difficulties are identified, and recommendations for presidential action are offered. Suggestions for the proposed National Commission on Industrial Competitiveness are offered concerning: trade, capital investment, private sector initiatives, human resources, and technological innovation. The Forum also suggested initiatives for businesses and colleges, as well as ways that these institutions can improve their own operating procedures. The full report is presented, including recommendations from previous studies, along with a separately printed executive summary of the full report and related news releases. (SW)